MyMediktor - Crohn's disease - Inflammatory bowel disease

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Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract that can affect any part of its length.

The cause is unclear, but it is thought that there is a genetic predisposition that activates this immunological response.

Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fever, weight loss and swelling.

Diagnosis is made by taking a detailed medical history, performing a physical examination and additional tests such as laboratory tests, radiology and colonoscopy.

Treatment is based on controlling the symptoms with dietary measures and medical treatment. More severe cases may require surgery.

Bibliographic references

Mark A Peppercorn.Clinical manifestations, diagnosis and prognosis of Crohn disease in adults. UpToDate. Dec 17, 2015.
Richard J Farrell.Overview of the medical management of mild to moderate Crohn disease in adults. UpToDate. Jul 28, 2016.
Lichtenstein GR, Hanauer SB, Sandborn WJ, Practice Parameters Committee of American College of Gastroenterology. Management of Crohn's disease in adults. Am J Gastroenterol 2009; 104:465.
Burgmann T, Clara I, Graff L, et al. The Manitoba Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cohort Study: prolonged symptoms before diagnosis--how much is irritable bowel syndrome? Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006; 4:614.
Sonia Friedman, Richard S. Blumberg. Enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición. 1947-1965.
J. Vilaseca, F. Casellas, F. Guarner. Enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 12º edición. 169-182.
Marta Romero Gutiérrez, Mariano Alcántara Torres, Alejandro Repiso Ortega. Enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. Manual de protocolos y actuación en Urgencias. 3ª edición. 2010.471- 476.

Author

Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol

Symptoms

Bouts of abdominal pain and diarrhoea

Rectal bleeding

Diarrhoea with blood

Weight loss

Intermittent intense abdominal pain

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)

Intense abdominal pain that unables doing day-to-day life activities

Blood in stools

Self-care

It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, consume hydrosoluble fibers (fruits and vegetables), avoid food that produced gas (beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli), carbonated beverages with preservatives, synthetic sweeteners, and refined sugar.

Reduce situations that produce psychological stress.

Maintain hydration of 2 litres per day.

Reduce tobacco consumption.

Engage in regular physical activity, adapted to age and physical condition, at least 3 times a week.

Consume over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.

If there is diarrhoea, check with your general practitioner about the prescription for antidiarrhoeals.

Check with your general practitioner about the prescription for corticosteroids, immune system inhibitors and/or biological medications.