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Signs and Symptoms

Some signs & symptoms of Crohn's disease:

• chronic diarrhea 

• low-grade fever

• fatigue

• weight loss

• abdominal cramps

• pain around the navel or on the right side of the abdomen

• joint pain and skin lesions

The course of Crohn's disease varies greatly from one person to another. Some people with Crohn's disease remain completely without symptoms after the initial one or two episodes of disease. However, others have recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, diarrhea and low-grade fever. 

*More basic facts - CCFA View interactive tutorial from MEDLINEPlus!

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Diagnosis of Crohn's disease

You may undergo any one or more of these diagnostic tests: 

• Barium X-ray--The patient is made to swallow a chalky barium mixture which allows X-ray visualization of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and any lesions or fistulas. Infusing a chalky barium mixture into the rectum (also known as a barium enema), allows visualization by X-ray of the colon and the end of the small bowel that connects to the colon, and any abnormalities in those areas. Colonoscopy (interactive flash presentation from MEDLINEPlus)--A flexible, lighted tube is inserted through the rectum allowing the doctor to see the lining of the colon and the last several inches of the ileum (the lowest part of the small intestine).

• Computed Tomography (CT)--A scan of the abdomen and pelvis where x-rays are used to generate a view
  of the abdominal tract. If there is an infection, this may detect an abscess.

• Nuclear medicine scan--Ingesting a mixture containing small amounts of
  radioactive tracers can help produce clear X-ray images of the internal organs and reveal how well 
  they’re functioning.

• Blood tests--No single blood test can be used to diagnose Crohn's disease, but several blood tests may indicate presence of an inflammation in the body.

*Read more about medical tests - CCFA 

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Complications of Crohn's Disease (An overview of IBD Complications)

Gastrointestinal Complications

• cancer

• fistulas

• intestinal strictures (obstructions) 

• possible recurrence of Crohn's disease (after surgery and/or remission) 

• short bowel syndrome 

• chronic diarrhea  and radiation injury to the Gut
  

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Extra-intestinal Complications 

Women's Issues 

• gynecological problems 

• arthritis or osteoporosis diminished bone mineral density (osteopenia) 

• eye complications (glaucoma, episcleritis) 

• liver and bile duct abnormalities 

• renal complications skin disorders and anemia
   

*More about complications - CCFA has detailed descriptions of each* 

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Treatment of Crohn's disease

Medications and surgery are the main treatments for Crohn’s disease. There is no specific diet that improves Crohn's disease and it's symptoms. Some foods such as raw fruits and vegetables and milk can aggravate symptoms in some people, but these foods don’t injure the intestine. If you’re malnourished, your doctor and a registered dietitian may suggest dietary measures, including supplementation with vitamins and minerals. Most patients discovering the foods that cause them particular problems and learn to avoid them. No two people are exactly the same. 

*Read more about Diet and Nutrition - CCFA

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  Medications  

There are four groups of medications for these illnesses: 

Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Sulfasalazine, corticosteroids, 5-ASA drugs, 

Immunomodulators: 6-mercaptopurine (6MP), Azathioprine (Imuran), cyclosporine, methotrexate.

Antibiotics: Metronidazole (flagyl), ciprofloxacin

Anti-diarrheal Agents: Loperamide, diphenoxylate/atropine, and cholestyramine,

*Read descriptions and get information on how each of the medications work - CCFA

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Disclaimer: Any and all information found on this site is NOT intended to be a substitute for medical care in any way.  Please discuss anything you read here with a doctor before making  decisions about your own personal health or plan of treatment. CCFA = Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. If there is any copyright material on here, please let me know and I will remove it. Other resources linked to MEDLINEPlus