Signs of Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. The symptoms of Crohn’s disease can vary depending on the location and severity of the inflammation.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in the stool
- Fissures or ulcers in the anus
- Joint pain
- Eye problems
- Skin problems
It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis.
The diagnosis of Crohn’s disease is often made based on a combination of factors, including your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. Your doctor may also order blood tests, stool tests, and imaging tests, such as a colonoscopy or barium enema.
There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but there are treatments that can help control the symptoms and improve your quality of life. The goal of treatment is to achieve remission, which is a period of time when you have no symptoms.
Treatment options for Crohn’s disease include:
- Medications
- Surgery
Medications used to treat Crohn’s disease include:
- Corticosteroids
- Immunosuppressants
- Biological therapies
- Antibiotics
Surgery may be necessary to treat Crohn’s disease if medications are not effective or if the disease causes complications, such as a perforation of the bowel.