crohns disease
...nd complications, induce and maintain remission, improve nutrition and avoid surgical intervention. Some people have long periods of remission, sometimes years, when they are free of symptoms. However, the disease usually recurs at various times over a person's lifetime. Most people are first treated with drugs that help control inflammation. Other treatment modalities include lifestyle interventions as well as surgery. Symptoms of Crohn's disease include: · abdominal pain or cramping · diarrhea · fever · fatigue · weight loss · rectal fistula (abnormal opening at or near the anus) · rectal fissure (a painful crack in the mucous membrane of the anus) · skin lesions · joint pain To diagnose Crohn's disease, your doctor will review your symptoms and examine you. The exam usually includes a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy (a procedure in which the doctor uses a scope to look at the inside of your intestine or colon). Often the doctor will take a small piece of bowel tissue for testing. The doctor may also want a sample of your stool (bowel movement) for testing. Other tests may include a blood test and a barium x-ray study to examine the colon and small bowel (particularly the end section of the bowel). Computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT) scanning is a computerized x-ray technique that allows imaging of the entire abdomen and pelvis. It can be especially helpful in detecting abscesses. How is it treated? There is no cure for Crohn's disease. [SCD Editors' note: wake up and check out the SCD] The best treatment is frequent checkups with your doctor to control the disease. The doctor will probably prescribe one or more medications for you to take. If you have diarrhea, avoid certain foods that have a laxative effect, such as raw fruits and vegetables and concentrated fruit juices. You can rest your bowel by not eating solid foods for a while. Drink just clear fluids frequently during the day (electrolyte or rehydrating fluids are best). It is important to drink often so that you do not become dehydrated. When an attack of diarrhea is over, eat small frequent meals. Return to your normal diet gradually. Limit or avoid food additives and stimulants such as caffeine (in coffee, tea, or chocolate). Avoid eating or drinking milk products. Enzyme supplements may help if you develop an intolerance to lactose (a sugar in dairy products). Ask your doctor if you should reduce the amount of roughage in your diet. If you have cramps or abdominal pain, it may help to put a hot water bottle or electric heating pad (set on low) on your abdomen. If your condition is more serious, hospital treatment may include: · intravenous feeding (into a vein) to replace lost nutrients and fluids · blood transfusions to restore ...