| Crohn's disease is one of many Inflammatory Bowel | | | | they can be monitored to ensure the health of both |
| Diseases (IBD), and causes inflammation in the deep | | | | mother and child. |
| layers of the intestinal wall that can recur throughout | | | | One of the questions your doctor will likely ask if you |
| your life. However, there are long periods of | | | | are dealing with Crohn's symptoms is about your |
| remission where you will experience no symptoms at | | | | family history. Afterwards, you'll undergo a series of |
| all. | | | | examinations such as: |
| Crohn's disease most often effects the ileum of the | | | | -Blood work will check white and red blood cell |
| small intestine, but can occur in the large and small | | | | counts. An unusually low red blood cells count |
| intestines, the mouth, esophagus, stomach, appendix | | | | suggests anemia. On the other hand, a high white |
| and anus. Symptoms | | | | count is a sign that the body is trying to fight a |
| The symptoms of Crohn's disease include: | | | | disease or inflammation. |
| -abdominal pain | | | | -A fecal exam looks for any signs of blood, parasites |
| -diarrhea | | | | or bacteria. |
| -sporadic fevers | | | | -An endoscopy lets doctors' view the rectum and |
| -weight loss | | | | colon using a lighted tube inserted in the anus and fed |
| -rectal bleeding that can lead to anemia | | | | up into the colon. This provides a good view of the |
| The cause of Crohn's disease is not known, but | | | | intestine and the rectal linings. |
| research is ongoing, and experts have learned that | | | | -Upper and Lower GI series may be ordered, coupled |
| Crohn's is the result of an attack of either a virus or | | | | with an x-ray after a barium enema. Barium is a |
| a bacteria that comes as an assault to your immune | | | | chalky solution that fills the intestines and appears |
| system. | | | | white, highlighting the lining of the intestines. This |
| It's this attack on your immune system that brings | | | | makes it easier for doctors to see any inflammation, |
| on the inflammation in the intestines. However, it is | | | | thickening of intestinal walls, abnormalities or |
| not yet clear whether the trouble with your immune | | | | blockages. |
| system is caused by Crohn's, or is the Crohn's the | | | | Once you've gotten a firm diagnosis of Crohn's |
| result of the attack on your immune system? | | | | disease, you'll likely have regular blood tests to check |
| Who is at risk? | | | | for anemia, and need to keep careful watch for |
| Crohn's disease effects men and women, adults and | | | | symptoms of a flare up. While there is no cure for |
| children. Children with this disease show signs of | | | | Crohn's today, there are prescription medications that |
| stunted growth and deferred sexual development. | | | | can provide relief from the many symptoms. |
| According to recent research, almost 20% of Crohn's | | | | If you suspect you have Crohn's disease, you should |
| patients have an immediate family member (mom, | | | | first consult your primary care physician before taking |
| dad, brother or sister) who also has the condition. | | | | other steps. Careful diagnosis and monitoring are the |
| Most women who suffer from Crohn's disease are | | | | key to living comfortably with Crohn's. |
| told to consult a doctor before having a baby so that | | | | |