Inflammation of the digestive tract causes the area to become red and painfully swollen. Pain varies according to the site and severity of the flare up, but is often reported in the lower right side of the abdomen. Ulceration of the wall lining can also occur which causes the digestive tract to become further narrowed and will lead to blood in the feces. Eventually the digestive tract can become completely obstructed.

For most suffers, diarrhea is a common symptom and this can often contain pus, mucus or blood. People say that they experience a strong feeling of needing to go to the toilet but when they get there nothing comes. Unsurprisingly, during a flare up sufferers can be really very ill with weight loss, fever and tiredness. Their health can be further affected if heavy bleeding has led to anemia, or if food cannot be absorbed properly leading to vitamin and mineral deficiency.

Crohn’s disease is suspected in people who have displayed its most common symptoms for more than three weeks, these include weight loss, diarrhea and pain. Various tests are then performed to confirm the diagnosis. These will include blood and stool samples, examination of the small or large intestine be endoscope , barium X-rays and biopsies taken from the area affected.

Once diagnosed, the treatment prescribed depends on the extent and severity of symptoms. Medication can often calm the inflammation, keep the symptoms down, and reduce the likelihood of relapse. If symptoms are severe, a course of steroids may be given for a few weeks. In about 70% of cases, the symptoms improve within four weeks of starting steroids. However, as steroids can cause side effects, they are not generally used as a long-term treatment. Another group or medicines known as 5-aminosalicylate medicines can be used as an alternative to steroids for mild to moderate symptoms. These drugs can be given as oral tablets or as rectal suppositories. Other medications are prescribed as needed; antibiotics for additional infection, vitamin supplements and iron for nutritional deficiencies, diarrhea treatments if this is a major problem.

If symptoms are particularly bad and cannot be controlled with medication, a strict diet may be prescribed for a few weeks, after which a normal diet can gradually be resumed. However in some cases, surgery may be required to remove the affected part of the digestive tract or to treat complications of the disease such as obstructions or abscesses. About 80% of people with moderate symptoms will require surgery at some time or another.

Despite the above, most people with Crohn’s disease are able to live normal lives. Research continues into finding a cure for the condition and finding new and more effective treatments. There is hope that some of theses new treatment drugs will be available in the next decade.

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