Crohn’s Disease Treatment
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect multiple parts of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. The disease most commonly occurs in the last part of the small intestine called the ileum. Crohn’s disease follows a course of remission and flare-ups and can cause inflammation, thickening, and narrowing in the affected intestinal areas.
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
The most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease include chronic diarrhea that occurs at night, abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, nausea, and fever. When severe narrowing occurs in the intestines, symptoms such as bloating, pain, vomiting, and constipation may arise. If the large intestine is involved, blood may be seen in the stool. Systemic symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and fever are also frequently observed during Crohn’s disease attacks. Additionally, local findings such as fissures around the anus, inflamed fistulas that produce discharge, and abscesses can be part of the disease.
Diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease
Radiological examinations play an important role in diagnosing Crohn’s disease. These tests help in differential diagnosis as well as locating the affected intestinal segments and determining disease severity.
Colonoscopy is a flexible camera examination method where the large intestine and, in some cases, the end part of the small intestine are inspected. During colonoscopy, biopsies important for diagnosis can be taken and examined under a microscope. It is also important to remember that Crohn’s disease can affect both the small and large intestines and that there is a risk of cancer development in these regions. Crohn’s disease involving the small intestine carries a 100 times higher cancer risk than normal. Cancer is especially more common in the ileum and in chronically affected areas.
Medications in Crohn’s Disease Treatment
Three main groups of drugs are used to suppress inflammatory reactions in Crohn’s disease treatment:
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Aminosalicylates: Used for mild to moderate cases; effective in controlling inflammation.
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Corticosteroids: If aminosalicylates are insufficient, corticosteroids are used to relieve symptoms during active disease. However, long-term use may cause side effects.
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Immunomodulators: These drugs regulate the immune system and are used for long-term treatment. They help prevent disease progression.
Surgery for Crohn’s Disease
Surgical intervention is required when drug treatment is inadequate or in cases of abscess, intestinal obstruction, perforation, cancer, or precancerous lesions. However, surgical removal of affected bowel segments does not provide a permanent cure. Surgery is typically considered when the disease progresses. For issues such as abscesses or fistulas around the anal area, local surgical procedures may be performed.
TREATMENTS
