Crohn's disease
Chronic bowel condition
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the digestive tract, most commonly the small intestine.
Unlike ulcerative colitis, which affects only the colon's inner lining, Crohn's can strike anywhere from mouth to anus and penetrate the full thickness of the intestinal wall.
Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss.
The cause remains unknown, though immune dysfunction plays a role.
Named for American gastroenterologist Burrill Crohn.
Last small intestine segment
- colonLarge intestine section
- small intestineDigestive absorption organ
- ileitisIleum swelling condition
- enteritisSmall intestine inflammation
malabsorption · diarrhea · abdominal pain · bowel obstruction · stricture · fistula · ulceration · weight loss
Body attacks itself
- immunosuppressantsDrugs reducing body defenses
- biologicsDrugs derived from organisms
- methotrexateAntifolate chemotherapy agent
- corticosteroidsInflammation-suppressing steroid medications
cytokines · interleukin · inflammation · antibodies · immunomodulators · immunopathology
Large intestine examination
- endoscopyInternal organ examination
- biopsyTissue sample for diagnosis
- granulomaInflammatory mass walling off foreign material
- gastroenterologistDigestive organ physician
Lasting entire existence
- incurableCannot be healed
- relapsingReturning to worse state
- remissionTemporary disease absence
- flare-upsSudden intensifications of trouble
progressive · debilitating · management · monitoring · prognosis · complications · quality of life · fatigue
Surgical tissue removal
- ileostomySurgically created abdominal opening
- colectomySurgical removal of colon
- anastomosisJoining of tubular structures
- ostomy bagPouch collecting diverted waste
ileum
Last small intestine segment
- colonLarge intestine section
- small intestineDigestive absorption organ
- ileitisIleum swelling condition
enteritis · malabsorption · diarrhea · abdominal pain · bowel obstruction · stricture · fistula · ulceration · weight loss · nutritional deficiency
autoimmune
Body attacks itself
- immunosuppressantsDrugs reducing body defenses
- biologicsDrugs derived from organisms
- methotrexateAntifolate chemotherapy agent
corticosteroids · cytokines · interleukin · inflammation · antibodies · immunomodulators · immunopathology
colonoscopy
Large intestine examination
lifelong
Lasting entire existence
flare-ups · progressive · debilitating · management · monitoring · prognosis · complications · quality of life · fatigue · adaptation
resection
Surgical tissue removal
- ileostomySurgically created abdominal opening
- colectomySurgical removal of colon
- anastomosisJoining of tubular structures
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