may include growth failure due to the lack of nutrients and fluids caused by persistent diarrhea. This lack of nutrients and fluids also causes problems for adults and may lead to dehydration and anemia if bleeding is present. Joint pain and skin rashes have also been experienced by people with other ulcerative colitis symptoms.
Ulcerative colitis is considered a chronic disease, meaning that the symptoms of ulcerative colitis may come and go and vary in intensity throughout a person’s life. Diet may worsen ulcerative colitis symptoms, but no foods are specifically known to aggravate or cause the condition. In fact the cause is not known. Vitamin supplements and botanical remedies like aloe are sometimes recommended to reduce ulcerative colitis symptoms. A recent study using fish oil for omega 3 supplementation showed promise, but there is no plan to market the supplement that was used in the study. Treatment is important, even when the symptoms of ulcerative colitis are mild.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Crohn's.
While Crohn's and ulcerative colitis both come under the same category of gastrointestinal ailments, there is a marked difference between them. Both of them are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, and yet neither of them is a constant disease. This means that both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis occur in remissions and relapses. There are acute flare-ups of symptoms, followed by varying intervals of remissions. Moreover, in the period of remissions, it is completely possible to have a more or less normal living with Crohn's disease, with some adjustments in lifestyle.
Infact, most people who are living with Crohn's disease report that the period of remissions generally last longer and occur more frequently than the relapses or when the disease is acute. Flare-ups can occur randomly though, without any warning or pattern, just out of the blue! But, generally they happen immediately after a viral infection, such as common cold, or due to some severe stress which could be personal or professional. Symptoms in acuteness include diarrhea, fever, pain, nausea, along with chills and extreme fatigue.
Severity And Control Of The Disease
Each individual has his own unique pattern and treatment is done on the basis of the actual symptoms reported, rather than on the basis of the laboratory test results. The severity of the disease is measured by keeping a track of the symptoms in a chart. This includes the number of bowel movements in a day, fever, appetite level and also number of days in which the person has to modify his regular schedule due to diarrhea, fever, fatigue or pain. Besides that, the emotional responses of the person are also taken into account, whether he or she is angry, depressed or embarrassed
due to the disease.
It has been observed that malnutrition or compromised nutrition can prove to be a major threat to people living with Crohn's disease. Since this is a disease affecting the digestive tract of the body, any kind of undue stress on the digestive system can aggravate it and worsen the symptoms. And that could lead to a vicious cycle. Fever raises the body's metabolic rate and increases its need for calorie intake. On the other hand, diarrhea leads to dehydration and temporary lactose intolerance, which causes milk sugars to ferment in the colon, worsening the diarrhea. Besides, there is a general loss of appetite too.
Therefore, the best to manage a normal living with Crohn's is to take care of your nutrition. Make sure you consume a good amount of calories, in the form of proteins, minerals, vitamins and trace elements, to ensure there is no nutritional deficiency in the body. Also, try to put less stress on your digestive system, by taking shorter, more spaced-out meals. In addition, always remember to eat the last meal of the day at least 3 hours before sleeping. In addition, during flare-ups, dietary fibers should be avoided, like whole grains, fruits and raw vegetables. By making such minor changes in eating habits, it can be perfectly possible to manage an almost normal living with Crohn's disease.
Infact, most people who are living with Crohn's disease report that the period of remissions generally last longer and occur more frequently than the relapses or when the disease is acute. Flare-ups can occur randomly though, without any warning or pattern, just out of the blue! But, generally they happen immediately after a viral infection, such as common cold, or due to some severe stress which could be personal or professional. Symptoms in acuteness include diarrhea, fever, pain, nausea, along with chills and extreme fatigue.
Severity And Control Of The Disease
Each individual has his own unique pattern and treatment is done on the basis of the actual symptoms reported, rather than on the basis of the laboratory test results. The severity of the disease is measured by keeping a track of the symptoms in a chart. This includes the number of bowel movements in a day, fever, appetite level and also number of days in which the person has to modify his regular schedule due to diarrhea, fever, fatigue or pain. Besides that, the emotional responses of the person are also taken into account, whether he or she is angry, depressed or embarrassed
due to the disease.
It has been observed that malnutrition or compromised nutrition can prove to be a major threat to people living with Crohn's disease. Since this is a disease affecting the digestive tract of the body, any kind of undue stress on the digestive system can aggravate it and worsen the symptoms. And that could lead to a vicious cycle. Fever raises the body's metabolic rate and increases its need for calorie intake. On the other hand, diarrhea leads to dehydration and temporary lactose intolerance, which causes milk sugars to ferment in the colon, worsening the diarrhea. Besides, there is a general loss of appetite too.
Therefore, the best to manage a normal living with Crohn's is to take care of your nutrition. Make sure you consume a good amount of calories, in the form of proteins, minerals, vitamins and trace elements, to ensure there is no nutritional deficiency in the body. Also, try to put less stress on your digestive system, by taking shorter, more spaced-out meals. In addition, always remember to eat the last meal of the day at least 3 hours before sleeping. In addition, during flare-ups, dietary fibers should be avoided, like whole grains, fruits and raw vegetables. By making such minor changes in eating habits, it can be perfectly possible to manage an almost normal living with Crohn's disease.
Сrohns disease and symptoms.
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis may be mild, moderate or severe. Mild ulcerative colitis symptoms may be treated at home, while moderate symptoms typically require prescription medications to put the disease into remission. Severe symptoms of ulcerative colitis will require medications and possibly surgery to remove the affected portion/s of the colon.
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis typically present before the age of 30 and may include diarrhea, with blood or mucus present in the stool. Rectal bleeding is sometimes one of the ulcerative colitis symptoms, but without the presence of diarrhea, rectal bleeding may indicate another condition. A gastrointestinal physician can perform tests to determine the cause of rectal bleeding.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis vary depending on the amount of the colon (large intestine) that is inflamed and the intensity of the inflammation. There are different types of ulcerative colitis and they are classified according to the portion of the colon that is inflamed. For example, it is referred to by physicians as ulcerative proctitis when only the rectum is inflamed and the only symptom in this case may be rectal bleeding. In more severe cases the symptoms of ulcerative colitis that is confined to the rectum may include rectal pain and bleeding, sudden need to empty the bowels or a painful urge to move the bowels without result.
When other portions of the colon are affected, ulcerative colitis symptoms typically include bloody diarrhea and cramps, as well as the symptoms experienced by those who only have inflammation in the rectum. If the left side of the colon is inflamed, the symptoms of ulcerative colitis may include weight loss and pain on the left side of the abdomen as well. If the inflammation affects the entire colon, it is referred to by physicians as pancolitis or universal ulcerative colitis; symptoms in this case are the same as in the other types of colitis but may include the additional symptoms of fatigue, fever and night sweats. In the most severe form of ulcerative colitis, symptoms may include dehydration, severe abdominal pain, continuous diarrhea, bleeding and even shock.
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis typically present before the age of 30 and may include diarrhea, with blood or mucus present in the stool. Rectal bleeding is sometimes one of the ulcerative colitis symptoms, but without the presence of diarrhea, rectal bleeding may indicate another condition. A gastrointestinal physician can perform tests to determine the cause of rectal bleeding.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis vary depending on the amount of the colon (large intestine) that is inflamed and the intensity of the inflammation. There are different types of ulcerative colitis and they are classified according to the portion of the colon that is inflamed. For example, it is referred to by physicians as ulcerative proctitis when only the rectum is inflamed and the only symptom in this case may be rectal bleeding. In more severe cases the symptoms of ulcerative colitis that is confined to the rectum may include rectal pain and bleeding, sudden need to empty the bowels or a painful urge to move the bowels without result.
When other portions of the colon are affected, ulcerative colitis symptoms typically include bloody diarrhea and cramps, as well as the symptoms experienced by those who only have inflammation in the rectum. If the left side of the colon is inflamed, the symptoms of ulcerative colitis may include weight loss and pain on the left side of the abdomen as well. If the inflammation affects the entire colon, it is referred to by physicians as pancolitis or universal ulcerative colitis; symptoms in this case are the same as in the other types of colitis but may include the additional symptoms of fatigue, fever and night sweats. In the most severe form of ulcerative colitis, symptoms may include dehydration, severe abdominal pain, continuous diarrhea, bleeding and even shock.
Nutritional Issues And Proper Diet.
Compromised nutrition, even malnutrition, is a constant threat to an individual with Crohn's disease. This is because the disease creates a vicious cycle:
•Fever and diarrhea cause a loss of appetite.
•Fever, by raising the body's metabolic rate, adds to the need for caloric energy.
•Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and temporary lactose intolerance (the inability to digest milk sugars).
•Lactose intolerance causes milk sugars to ferment in the colon, leading to cramps and more diarrhea.
•Lactose intolerance can also indirectly lead to calcium deficiency, which in turn can lead to the loss of bone density called osteoporosis. This side effect can be especially prevalent among those being treated with corticosteroids such as prednisone.
Nutritional treatment for Crohn's disease has two main goals.
•The first is to increase the intake of calories, especially in the form of proteins, along with vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, to prevent nutritional deficiency.
•The second is to create an eating pattern that minimizes stress on the diseased digestive tract. This often means eating smaller, more frequent meals. Many nutrition counselors suggest that people with Crohn's disease consume six half-sized meals each day, spacing them equally and consuming the last at least three hours before bedtime.
Most doctors tell people with Crohn's disease that their diet should be "normal, as tolerated." There is no conclusive evidence that particular foods cause flare-ups. During a flare-up, however, doctors often suggest that individuals reduce their intake of dietary fiber, such as whole grains, raw fruits and vegetables.
•Fever and diarrhea cause a loss of appetite.
•Fever, by raising the body's metabolic rate, adds to the need for caloric energy.
•Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and temporary lactose intolerance (the inability to digest milk sugars).
•Lactose intolerance causes milk sugars to ferment in the colon, leading to cramps and more diarrhea.
•Lactose intolerance can also indirectly lead to calcium deficiency, which in turn can lead to the loss of bone density called osteoporosis. This side effect can be especially prevalent among those being treated with corticosteroids such as prednisone.
Nutritional treatment for Crohn's disease has two main goals.
•The first is to increase the intake of calories, especially in the form of proteins, along with vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, to prevent nutritional deficiency.
•The second is to create an eating pattern that minimizes stress on the diseased digestive tract. This often means eating smaller, more frequent meals. Many nutrition counselors suggest that people with Crohn's disease consume six half-sized meals each day, spacing them equally and consuming the last at least three hours before bedtime.
Most doctors tell people with Crohn's disease that their diet should be "normal, as tolerated." There is no conclusive evidence that particular foods cause flare-ups. During a flare-up, however, doctors often suggest that individuals reduce their intake of dietary fiber, such as whole grains, raw fruits and vegetables.
Remission And Relapse.
Although Crohn's disease is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory bowel disease, it is not a constant disease. That is, Crohn's disease is characterized by acute flare-ups of symptoms followed by remissions that last for varying periods of time. Each individual's pattern of symptoms is different, and conscientious doctors treat patients according to their reported symptoms rather than the results of laboratory tests or radiological exams.
Diarrhea, pain, and fever-along with fatigue, chills, and possibly vomiting-come and go, sometimes in waves and sometimes in sharp bursts. Flare-ups can occur out of the blue, following a viral illness such as a head cold, or during times of extreme personal, business, or social stress.
Diarrhea, pain, and fever-along with fatigue, chills, and possibly vomiting-come and go, sometimes in waves and sometimes in sharp bursts. Flare-ups can occur out of the blue, following a viral illness such as a head cold, or during times of extreme personal, business, or social stress.
Living With Crohn's Disease.
Most people living with Crohn's disease find that periods of remission (when they are free from symptoms) are longer and more frequent than periods of acute illness. This has never been truer than it is today, when doctors have large and growing arsenal of treatment options to prescribe.
The severity of Crohn's disease can be measured objectively with indexes that chart symptoms, including:
•The number of bowel movements per day
•Appetite level
•Fever
•Number of days in a month when an individual must modify his or her work, home, or social schedule because of diarrhea, fatigue, fever, and other symptoms
Severity can also be measured subjectively, through a doctor's assessment of an individual's general state of being (such as whether he or she is angry, depressed, in pain, or embarrassed by needing to use the toilet frequently in social or business situations).
There is considerable variation in how people with Crohn's disease experience their illness. An individual whose radiological examinations reveal an extent of disease that would seem to be debilitating may lead a relatively normal life, while a person with few objective signs of disease may find his or her symptoms totally debilitating, both physically and mentally.
The severity of Crohn's disease can be measured objectively with indexes that chart symptoms, including:
•The number of bowel movements per day
•Appetite level
•Fever
•Number of days in a month when an individual must modify his or her work, home, or social schedule because of diarrhea, fatigue, fever, and other symptoms
Severity can also be measured subjectively, through a doctor's assessment of an individual's general state of being (such as whether he or she is angry, depressed, in pain, or embarrassed by needing to use the toilet frequently in social or business situations).
There is considerable variation in how people with Crohn's disease experience their illness. An individual whose radiological examinations reveal an extent of disease that would seem to be debilitating may lead a relatively normal life, while a person with few objective signs of disease may find his or her symptoms totally debilitating, both physically and mentally.
How Does CD Affect the Digestive System?
Crohn's disease is characterized by chronic inflammation in one or multiple areas of the gastrointestinal tract. Inflammation is the body's response to an abnormal physical, chemical, or biological stimulation, such as injury or infection. Complex reactions in the affected area produce heat, redness, swelling, and pain as the body works to heal an injury or destroy an infection.
In both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, evidence suggests that either the body's inflammatory response is triggered when it shouldn't be, or it is triggered appropriately but fails to turn itself off after it has completed its job.
In both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, evidence suggests that either the body's inflammatory response is triggered when it shouldn't be, or it is triggered appropriately but fails to turn itself off after it has completed its job.
Crohn's disease prognosis.
Can stress make Crohn’s disease worse?There is no evidence showing that stress causes Crohn’s disease. However, people with Crohn’s disease sometimes feel increased stress in their lives from having to live with a chronic illness. Some people with Crohn’s disease also report that they experience a flare in disease when they are experiencing a stressful event or situation. There is no type of person that is more likely to experience a flare in disease than another when under stress. For people who find there is a connection between their stress level and a worsening of their symptoms, using relaxation techniques, such as slow breathing, and taking special care to eat well and get enough sleep, may help them feel better.
Is pregnancy safe for women with Crohn’s disease?Research has shown that the course of pregnancy and delivery is usually not impaired in women with Crohn’s disease. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should discuss the matter with their doctors before pregnancy. Most children born to women with Crohn’s disease are unaffected. Children who do get the disease are sometimes more severely affected than adults, with slowed growth and delayed sexual development in some cases.
Is pregnancy safe for women with Crohn’s disease?Research has shown that the course of pregnancy and delivery is usually not impaired in women with Crohn’s disease. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should discuss the matter with their doctors before pregnancy. Most children born to women with Crohn’s disease are unaffected. Children who do get the disease are sometimes more severely affected than adults, with slowed growth and delayed sexual development in some cases.
Diet for crohns.
People with Crohn’s disease often experience a decrease in appetite, which can affect their ability to receive the daily nutrition needed for good health and healing. In addition, Crohn’s disease is associated with diarrhea and poor absorption of necessary nutrients. No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating Crohn’s disease, but it is very important that people who have Crohn’s disease follow a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms. There are no consistent dietary rules to follow that will improve a person’s symptoms.
People should take vitamin supplements only on their doctor’s advice.
People should take vitamin supplements only on their doctor’s advice.
Crohns surgery.
Two-thirds to three-quarters of patients with Crohn’s disease will require surgery at some point in their lives. Surgery becomes necessary when medications can no longer control symptoms. Surgery is used either to relieve symptoms that do not respond to medical therapy or to correct complications such as blockage, perforation, abscess, or bleeding in the intestine. Surgery to remove part of the intestine can help people with Crohn’s disease, but it is not a cure. Surgery does not eliminate the disease, and it is not uncommon for people with Crohn’s Disease to have more than one operation, as inflammation tends to return to the area next to where the diseased intestine was removed.
Some people who have Crohn’s disease in the large intestine need to have their entire colon removed in an operation called a colectomy. A small opening is made in the front of the abdominal wall, and the tip of the ileum, which is located at the end of the small intestine, is brought to the skin’s surface. This opening, called a stoma, is where waste exits the body. The stoma is about the size of a quarter and is usually located in the right lower part of the abdomen near the beltline. A pouch is worn over the opening to collect waste, and the patient empties the pouch as needed. The majority of colectomy patients go on to live normal, active lives.
Sometimes only the diseased section of intestine is removed and no stoma is needed. In this operation, the intestine is cut above and below the diseased area and reconnected.
Because Crohn’s disease often recurs after surgery, people considering it should carefully weigh its benefits and risks compared with other treatments. Surgery may not be appropriate for everyone. People faced with this decision should get as much information as possible from doctors, nurses who work with colon surgery patients (enterostomal therapists), and other patients. Patient advocacy organizations can suggest support groups and other information resources. (See For More Information for the names of such organizations.)
People with Crohn’s disease may feel well and be free of symptoms for substantial spans of time when their disease is not active. Despite the need to take medication for long periods of time and occasional hospitalizations, most people with Crohn’s disease are able to hold jobs, raise families, and function successfully at home and in society.
Some people who have Crohn’s disease in the large intestine need to have their entire colon removed in an operation called a colectomy. A small opening is made in the front of the abdominal wall, and the tip of the ileum, which is located at the end of the small intestine, is brought to the skin’s surface. This opening, called a stoma, is where waste exits the body. The stoma is about the size of a quarter and is usually located in the right lower part of the abdomen near the beltline. A pouch is worn over the opening to collect waste, and the patient empties the pouch as needed. The majority of colectomy patients go on to live normal, active lives.
Sometimes only the diseased section of intestine is removed and no stoma is needed. In this operation, the intestine is cut above and below the diseased area and reconnected.
Because Crohn’s disease often recurs after surgery, people considering it should carefully weigh its benefits and risks compared with other treatments. Surgery may not be appropriate for everyone. People faced with this decision should get as much information as possible from doctors, nurses who work with colon surgery patients (enterostomal therapists), and other patients. Patient advocacy organizations can suggest support groups and other information resources. (See For More Information for the names of such organizations.)
People with Crohn’s disease may feel well and be free of symptoms for substantial spans of time when their disease is not active. Despite the need to take medication for long periods of time and occasional hospitalizations, most people with Crohn’s disease are able to hold jobs, raise families, and function successfully at home and in society.
Anti-Inflammation Drugs.
Most people are first treated with drugs containing mesalamine, a substance that helps control inflammation. Sulfasalazine is the most commonly used of these drugs. Patients who do not benefit from it or who cannot tolerate it may be put on other mesalamine-containing drugs, generally known as 5-ASA agents, such as Asacol, Dipentum, or Pentasa. Possible side effects of mesalamine-containing drugs include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, and headache.
Cortisone or Steroids. Cortisone drugs and steroids—called corticosteriods—provide very effective results. Prednisone is a common generic name of one of the drugs in this group of medications. In the beginning, when the disease it at its worst, prednisone is usually prescribed in a large dose. The dosage is then lowered once symptoms have been controlled. These drugs can cause serious side effects, including greater susceptibility to infection.
Immune System Suppressors. Drugs that suppress the immune system are also used to treat Crohn’s disease. Most commonly prescribed are 6-mercaptopurine or a related drug, azathioprine. Immunosuppressive agents work by blocking the immune reaction that contributes to inflammation. These drugs may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and may lower a person’s resistance to infection. When patients are treated with a combination of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs, the dose of corticosteroids may eventually be lowered. Some studies suggest that immunosuppressive drugs may enhance the effectiveness of corticosteroids.
Infliximab (Remicade). This drug is the first of a group of medications that blocks the body’s inflammation response. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the drug for the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn’s disease that does not respond to standard therapies (mesalamine substances, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents) and for the treatment of open, draining fistulas. Infliximab, the first treatment approved specifically for Crohn’s disease is an anti-TNF substance. Additional research will need to be done in order to fully understand the range of treatments Remicade may offer to help people with Crohn’s disease.
Antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine caused by stricture, fistulas, or prior surgery. For this common problem, the doctor may prescribe one or more of the following antibiotics: ampicillin, sulfonamide, cephalosporin, tetracycline, or metronidazole.
Anti-Diarrheal and Fluid Replacements. Diarrhea and crampy abdominal pain are often relieved when the inflammation subsides, but additional medication may also be necessary. Several antidiarrheal agents could be used, including diphenoxylate, loperamide, and codeine. Patients who are dehydrated because of diarrhea will be treated with fluids and electrolytes.
The doctor may recommend nutritional supplements, especially for children whose growth has been slowed. Special high-calorie liquid formulas are sometimes used for this purpose. A small number of patients may need to be fed intravenously for a brief time through a small tube inserted into the vein of the arm. This procedure can help patients who need extra nutrition temporarily, those whose intestines need to rest, or those whose intestines cannot absorb enough nutrition from food. There are no known foods that cause Crohn’s disease. However, when people are suffering a flare in disease, foods such as bulky grains, hot spices, alcohol, and milk products may increase diarrhea and cramping.
Cortisone or Steroids. Cortisone drugs and steroids—called corticosteriods—provide very effective results. Prednisone is a common generic name of one of the drugs in this group of medications. In the beginning, when the disease it at its worst, prednisone is usually prescribed in a large dose. The dosage is then lowered once symptoms have been controlled. These drugs can cause serious side effects, including greater susceptibility to infection.
Immune System Suppressors. Drugs that suppress the immune system are also used to treat Crohn’s disease. Most commonly prescribed are 6-mercaptopurine or a related drug, azathioprine. Immunosuppressive agents work by blocking the immune reaction that contributes to inflammation. These drugs may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and may lower a person’s resistance to infection. When patients are treated with a combination of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs, the dose of corticosteroids may eventually be lowered. Some studies suggest that immunosuppressive drugs may enhance the effectiveness of corticosteroids.
Infliximab (Remicade). This drug is the first of a group of medications that blocks the body’s inflammation response. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the drug for the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn’s disease that does not respond to standard therapies (mesalamine substances, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents) and for the treatment of open, draining fistulas. Infliximab, the first treatment approved specifically for Crohn’s disease is an anti-TNF substance. Additional research will need to be done in order to fully understand the range of treatments Remicade may offer to help people with Crohn’s disease.
Antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine caused by stricture, fistulas, or prior surgery. For this common problem, the doctor may prescribe one or more of the following antibiotics: ampicillin, sulfonamide, cephalosporin, tetracycline, or metronidazole.
Anti-Diarrheal and Fluid Replacements. Diarrhea and crampy abdominal pain are often relieved when the inflammation subsides, but additional medication may also be necessary. Several antidiarrheal agents could be used, including diphenoxylate, loperamide, and codeine. Patients who are dehydrated because of diarrhea will be treated with fluids and electrolytes.
The doctor may recommend nutritional supplements, especially for children whose growth has been slowed. Special high-calorie liquid formulas are sometimes used for this purpose. A small number of patients may need to be fed intravenously for a brief time through a small tube inserted into the vein of the arm. This procedure can help patients who need extra nutrition temporarily, those whose intestines need to rest, or those whose intestines cannot absorb enough nutrition from food. There are no known foods that cause Crohn’s disease. However, when people are suffering a flare in disease, foods such as bulky grains, hot spices, alcohol, and milk products may increase diarrhea and cramping.
Treatment for Crohn’s disease.
Treatment may include drugs, nutrition supplements, surgery, or a combination of these options. The goals of treatment are to control inflammation, correct nutritional deficiencies, and relieve symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. At this time, treatment can help control the disease by lowering the number of times a person experiences a recurrence, but there is no cure. Treatment for Crohn’s disease depends on the location and severity of disease, complications, and the person’s response to previous medical treatments when treated for recurring symptoms.
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. This changing pattern of the disease means one cannot always tell when a treatment has helped. Predicting when a remission may occur or when symptoms will return is not possible.
Someone with Crohn’s disease may need medical care for a long time, with regular doctor visits to monitor the condition.
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. This changing pattern of the disease means one cannot always tell when a treatment has helped. Predicting when a remission may occur or when symptoms will return is not possible.
Someone with Crohn’s disease may need medical care for a long time, with regular doctor visits to monitor the condition.
Complications of Crohn’s disease.
The most common complication is blockage of the intestine. Blockage occurs because the disease tends to thicken the intestinal wall with swelling and scar tissue, narrowing the passage. Crohn’s disease may also cause sores, or ulcers, that tunnel through the affected area into surrounding tissues, such as the bladder, vagina, or skin. The areas around the anus and rectum are often involved. The tunnels, called fistulas, are a common complication and often become infected. Sometimes fistulas can be treated with medicine, but in some cases they may require surgery. In addition to fistulas, small tears called fissures may develop in the lining of the mucus membrane of the anus.
Nutritional complications are common in Crohn’s disease. Deficiencies of proteins, calories, and vitamins are well documented. These deficiencies may be caused by inadequate dietary intake, intestinal loss of protein, or poor absorption, also referred to as malabsorption.
Other complications associated with Crohn’s disease include arthritis, skin problems, inflammation in the eyes or mouth, kidney stones, gallstones, or other diseases of the liver and biliary system. Some of these problems resolve during treatment for disease in the digestive system, but some must be treated separately.
Nutritional complications are common in Crohn’s disease. Deficiencies of proteins, calories, and vitamins are well documented. These deficiencies may be caused by inadequate dietary intake, intestinal loss of protein, or poor absorption, also referred to as malabsorption.
Other complications associated with Crohn’s disease include arthritis, skin problems, inflammation in the eyes or mouth, kidney stones, gallstones, or other diseases of the liver and biliary system. Some of these problems resolve during treatment for disease in the digestive system, but some must be treated separately.
Crohn’s disease diagnosed.
Blood tests may be done to check for anemia, which could indicate bleeding in the intestines. Blood tests may also uncover a high white blood cell count, which is a sign of inflammation somewhere in the body. By testing a stool sample, the doctor can tell if there is bleeding or infection in the intestines.
The doctor may do an upper GI series to look at the small intestine. For this test, the person drinks barium, a chalky solution that coats the lining of the small intestine, before x rays are taken. The barium shows up white on x-ray film, revealing inflammation or other abnormalities in the intestine. If these tests show Crohn’s disease, more x rays of both the upper and lower digestive tract may be necessary to see how much of the GI tract is affected by the disease.
The doctor may also do a visual exam of the colon by performing either a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy. For both of these tests, the doctor inserts a long, flexible, lighted tube linked to a computer and TV monitor into the anus. A sigmoidoscopy allows the doctor to examine the lining of the lower part of the large intestine, while a colonoscopy allows the doctor to examine the lining of the entire large intestine. The doctor will be able to see any inflammation or bleeding during either of these exams, although a colonoscopy is usually a better test because the doctor can see the entire large intestine. The doctor may also do a biopsy, which involves taking a sample of tissue from the lining of the intestine to view with a microscope.
The doctor may do an upper GI series to look at the small intestine. For this test, the person drinks barium, a chalky solution that coats the lining of the small intestine, before x rays are taken. The barium shows up white on x-ray film, revealing inflammation or other abnormalities in the intestine. If these tests show Crohn’s disease, more x rays of both the upper and lower digestive tract may be necessary to see how much of the GI tract is affected by the disease.
The doctor may also do a visual exam of the colon by performing either a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy. For both of these tests, the doctor inserts a long, flexible, lighted tube linked to a computer and TV monitor into the anus. A sigmoidoscopy allows the doctor to examine the lining of the lower part of the large intestine, while a colonoscopy allows the doctor to examine the lining of the entire large intestine. The doctor will be able to see any inflammation or bleeding during either of these exams, although a colonoscopy is usually a better test because the doctor can see the entire large intestine. The doctor may also do a biopsy, which involves taking a sample of tissue from the lining of the intestine to view with a microscope.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease are abdominal pain, often in the lower right area, and diarrhea. Rectal bleeding, weight loss, arthritis, skin problems, and fever may also occur. Bleeding may be serious and persistent, leading to anemia. Children with Crohn’s disease may suffer delayed development and stunted growth. The range and severity of symptoms varies.
Crohn’s disease may also be called ileitis or enteritis
Several theories exist about what causes Crohn’s disease, but none have been proven. The human immune system is made from cells and different proteins that protect people from infection. The most popular theory is that the body’s immune system reacts abnormally in people with Crohn’s disease, mistaking bacteria, foods, and other substances for being foreign. The immune system’s response is to attack these “invaders.” During this process, white blood cells accumulate in the lining of the intestines, producing chronic inflammation, which leads to ulcerations and bowel injury.
Scientists do not know if the abnormality in the functioning of the immune system in people with Crohn’s disease is a cause, or a result, of the disease. Research shows that the inflammation seen in the GI tract of people with Crohn’s disease involves several factors: the genes the patient has inherited, the immune system itself, and the environment. Foreign substances, also referred to as antigens, are found in the environment. One possible cause for inflammation may be the body’s reaction to these antigens, or that the antigens themselves are the cause for the inflammation. Scientists have found that high levels of a protein produced by the immune system, called tumor necrosis factor (TNF), are present in people with Crohn’s disease.
Scientists do not know if the abnormality in the functioning of the immune system in people with Crohn’s disease is a cause, or a result, of the disease. Research shows that the inflammation seen in the GI tract of people with Crohn’s disease involves several factors: the genes the patient has inherited, the immune system itself, and the environment. Foreign substances, also referred to as antigens, are found in the environment. One possible cause for inflammation may be the body’s reaction to these antigens, or that the antigens themselves are the cause for the inflammation. Scientists have found that high levels of a protein produced by the immune system, called tumor necrosis factor (TNF), are present in people with Crohn’s disease.
Crohns disease foundation.
Crohn’s disease is an ongoing disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, also referred to as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohn’s disease can affect any area of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum. The swelling extends deep into the lining of the affected organ. The swelling can cause pain and can make the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea.
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease, the general name for diseases that cause swelling in the intestines. Because the symptoms of Crohn’s disease are similar to other intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, it can be difficult to diagnose. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the lining of the large intestine. In Crohn’s disease, all layers of the intestine may be involved, and normal healthy bowel can be found between sections of diseased bowel.
Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families. About 20 percent of people with Crohn’s disease have a blood relative with some form of inflammatory bowel disease, most often a brother or sister and sometimes a parent or child. Crohn’s disease can occur in people of all age groups, but it is more often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 30. People of Jewish heritage have an increased risk of developing Crohn’s disease, and African Americans are at decreased risk for developing Crohn’s disease.
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease, the general name for diseases that cause swelling in the intestines. Because the symptoms of Crohn’s disease are similar to other intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, it can be difficult to diagnose. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the lining of the large intestine. In Crohn’s disease, all layers of the intestine may be involved, and normal healthy bowel can be found between sections of diseased bowel.
Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families. About 20 percent of people with Crohn’s disease have a blood relative with some form of inflammatory bowel disease, most often a brother or sister and sometimes a parent or child. Crohn’s disease can occur in people of all age groups, but it is more often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 30. People of Jewish heritage have an increased risk of developing Crohn’s disease, and African Americans are at decreased risk for developing Crohn’s disease.
Stomach bloating and gas.
When we take food into our bodies everything must be broken down into nutrients and vitamins that can be used by our system. The process of digestion starts in our mouth as we chew and the saliva begins to break down the food. Next, it goes into the stomach where an acid is released that further breaks down the food.
This acid is essential to our digestive process and normally the levels of it are carefully controlled by mechanisms in the stomach and proximal intestine. Sometimes, these mechanisms do not work correctly and excess stomach acid is a result. This condition is known as either acidity or APD. There are many things that can result from excess stomach acid. These include, but are not limited to: Heartburn, acid reflux, dyspepsia (a feeling of indigestion or bloating), non-ulcer dyspepsia, duodenal ulcer, peptic ulcer or a gastric ulcer. Some of these medical conditions are much worse than others but all of them can really be inconvenient. Ulcers can be life threatening if they are let go for a long time.
There are several herbal and homeopathic solutions to excessive stomach acid. It is essential that you try to keep your stomach acid in check because the problem will only become worse with time. Mentha Piperita is part of the mint family and has been used for centuries to help calm peoples stomachs, cure heartburn and put a stop to indigestion. It is a calmative herb that helps the digestive tract muscles relax and it encourages a steady flow of bile and digestive juices.
Nat. Sulph is a homeopathic tissue salt that helps to keep the body fluids regulated. It is really helpful if you are having a problem with a bitter taste in your mouth after eating and putting a stop to nausea.
There are many habits that you can change to assist you in keeping your stomach acid levels in check. Certain foods are known to cause problems with acid production in the stomach including spicy, salty and foods that are high in acid (such as tomatoes). Make sure that you eat regular and healthy meals. Alcohol and cigarettes should be avoided in order to keep the stomach acid levels regulated and the esophagus healthy.
Stress is also a big cause of excess stomach acid. Try to develop coping mechanisms for the daily stress in your life. Relaxation techniques like Yoga or Meditation can be especially helpful. If you are a weight lifter then make sure that you are really careful because too much pressure on the abdominal area can lead to problems. Try to stick with lighter weights and more reps. Don't overdo it!
This acid is essential to our digestive process and normally the levels of it are carefully controlled by mechanisms in the stomach and proximal intestine. Sometimes, these mechanisms do not work correctly and excess stomach acid is a result. This condition is known as either acidity or APD. There are many things that can result from excess stomach acid. These include, but are not limited to: Heartburn, acid reflux, dyspepsia (a feeling of indigestion or bloating), non-ulcer dyspepsia, duodenal ulcer, peptic ulcer or a gastric ulcer. Some of these medical conditions are much worse than others but all of them can really be inconvenient. Ulcers can be life threatening if they are let go for a long time.
There are several herbal and homeopathic solutions to excessive stomach acid. It is essential that you try to keep your stomach acid in check because the problem will only become worse with time. Mentha Piperita is part of the mint family and has been used for centuries to help calm peoples stomachs, cure heartburn and put a stop to indigestion. It is a calmative herb that helps the digestive tract muscles relax and it encourages a steady flow of bile and digestive juices.
Nat. Sulph is a homeopathic tissue salt that helps to keep the body fluids regulated. It is really helpful if you are having a problem with a bitter taste in your mouth after eating and putting a stop to nausea.
There are many habits that you can change to assist you in keeping your stomach acid levels in check. Certain foods are known to cause problems with acid production in the stomach including spicy, salty and foods that are high in acid (such as tomatoes). Make sure that you eat regular and healthy meals. Alcohol and cigarettes should be avoided in order to keep the stomach acid levels regulated and the esophagus healthy.
Stress is also a big cause of excess stomach acid. Try to develop coping mechanisms for the daily stress in your life. Relaxation techniques like Yoga or Meditation can be especially helpful. If you are a weight lifter then make sure that you are really careful because too much pressure on the abdominal area can lead to problems. Try to stick with lighter weights and more reps. Don't overdo it!
The lymphocytes.
By convention the number is usually translated into number of lymphocytes per 100 intestinal lining cells variously called by their specific name enterocytes or broader name epithelial cell. Since the lymphocytes are between enterocytes or epithelial cells they are termed intraepithelial lymphocytes or IEL’s. When in excess the term is intraepithelial lymphocytosis.
Additional lymphocytes and other infection fighting cells, including mast cells, are stationed at the base of the intestinal villi. These cells are like Army or Marine troops held in reserve that are just waiting to be summoned to the fighting front at the surface of the intestinal villi, whenever the body believes it is being attacked or invaded.
The finding of increased IEL’s, or intraepithelial lymphocytosis, is the EARLIEST microscopic finding of Celiac disease and gluten injury though it is not specific for it. Cow’s milk protein allergy or sensitivity, giardia parasite and H. pylori bacteria, and viral infections can also be a cause. Usually recognizing increased numbers of lymphocytes in the tips of the intestinal villi is easy.
Most pathologist just “eye ball” the tips and subjectively judge whether there are increased numbers. Most state there either is or is not increased lymphocytes in the tips of the villi or intraepithelial lymphocytosis without specifically counting or reporting the numbers.
Special stains are available that highlight these lymphocytes allow them to be seen and counted easily. However, these stains are not done routinely and usually must be specifically requested, especially when minor changes of gluten injury are suspected, for example in someone who has already limited their diet intake of gluten.
For more than thirty years the cut off for abnormal was eight or more lymphocytes per villous tip or >40 IELs per 100 intestinal epithelial cell (enterocytes). In the past couple of years an IEL count of 7 or more villous tip or 20 enterocytes equivalent to 35 IELs/100 epithelial cells became the standard for defining abnormal intraepithelial lymphocytosis.
Additional lymphocytes and other infection fighting cells, including mast cells, are stationed at the base of the intestinal villi. These cells are like Army or Marine troops held in reserve that are just waiting to be summoned to the fighting front at the surface of the intestinal villi, whenever the body believes it is being attacked or invaded.
The finding of increased IEL’s, or intraepithelial lymphocytosis, is the EARLIEST microscopic finding of Celiac disease and gluten injury though it is not specific for it. Cow’s milk protein allergy or sensitivity, giardia parasite and H. pylori bacteria, and viral infections can also be a cause. Usually recognizing increased numbers of lymphocytes in the tips of the intestinal villi is easy.
Most pathologist just “eye ball” the tips and subjectively judge whether there are increased numbers. Most state there either is or is not increased lymphocytes in the tips of the villi or intraepithelial lymphocytosis without specifically counting or reporting the numbers.
Special stains are available that highlight these lymphocytes allow them to be seen and counted easily. However, these stains are not done routinely and usually must be specifically requested, especially when minor changes of gluten injury are suspected, for example in someone who has already limited their diet intake of gluten.
For more than thirty years the cut off for abnormal was eight or more lymphocytes per villous tip or >40 IELs per 100 intestinal epithelial cell (enterocytes). In the past couple of years an IEL count of 7 or more villous tip or 20 enterocytes equivalent to 35 IELs/100 epithelial cells became the standard for defining abnormal intraepithelial lymphocytosis.
Crohn's disease ...
...can also cause colitis but usually also affects the very end of the small intestine called the ileum (ileitis or regional enteritis). When Crohn's affects only the colon it may be difficult to distinguish it from ulcerative colitis though Crohn's tends to affect the colon in a patchy manner whereas ulcerative colitis is continuous. Crohn's can affect the gastrointestinal tract anywhere from the mouth to the anus and is not curable by removing the colon. It is also frequently associated with bowel strictures (constrictions) causing obstruction that may require surgery. It also may be associated with fistula that are abnormal connections of the intestine to other organs and the skin or it can result in abscesses or perforation requiring surgery It is important to distinguish Crohn's disease from ulcerative colitis since medical treatments and surgical approaches may differ and the types of complications that can occur can be much different.
Traditionally, the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease is highly accurate by the appearance of the colon on colonoscopy or x-rays that confirm the presence or absence of involvement of other parts of the intestinal tract. Diagnosis is confirmed by a typical pattern of inflammation of the intestine lining as seen under the microscope on tissue obtained by biopsy during colonoscopy. However, before blood tests were available about 10% of people with IBD were diagnosed as having an indeterminate colitis because the biopsies could not distinguish between the ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
The blood tests currently available are pANCA, anti-ASCA, anti-OmpC, and anti-CBir1 flagelin antibodies. pANCA is the peripheral anti-nuclear antibody. It is an abnormal antibody to nuclear protein of cells and is highly sensitive and specific for ulcerative colitis. The pANCA anbibody has been further divided into subsets by Prometheus Laboratories Inc. Neutrophil-specific pANCA ELISA (NSNA) is positive in the majority of people with ulcerative colitis (UC) and a small subset of people with Crohn's disease that have disease characteristics more like UC. Immunofluorescent cellular staining of neutrophils (NSNA IFA) and enzyme Dnase testing (NSNA DNase sensitivity) is also done as part of the Prometheus IBD Serology 7. The latter test when present in high levels is significantly associated with development of inflammation of the rectal pouch (pouchitis) created when someone has their entire colon removed for ulcerative colitis that does not respond to medical treatment.
ASCA is anti-saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is Brewer's or Baker's yeast. Crohn's patients have a high prevalence of abnormal antibodies to this yeast. Some have suggested that another yeast, Candida albicans, somehow plays a role in this abnormal response. A few people with celiac disease have this antibody present in their blood in the absence of signs of Crohn's disease. OmpC is the abbreviation for an antibody that develops in many Crohn's patients to the outer membrane porin protein of the bacteria E. coli though that bacteria is not thought to be the cause of Crohn's disease. Just recently Prometheus Laboratories added antibody testing for a specific protein on bacteria that constitutes the flagelin or hair like structure on certain bacteria enabling movement and attachment of bacteria in the intestine called CBir1 flagelin.
Future blood tests may include antibodies against certain sugar (mannose) residues in the cell wall of the yeast saccharomyces cerevisiae. Anti-laminaribioside and anti-chitobioside antibodies were recently reported to be present in Crohn's patients who were anti-ASCA negative possibly further strengthening the ability to distinguish them from people with ulcerative colitis. This is also interesting because of suspicions and the lay public interest in the role of sugars or glycans and yeast in IBD. In particular the reports in lay literature of success of carbohydrate specific diet in IBD.
If you have a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease these blood tests may be very helpful in your treatment. If you have unexplained abdominal pain, diarrhea, or blood in your stools then these tests should be considered. If you have a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, these tests may exclude ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Since as many as 10% of people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease may also have celiac disease, celiac blood tests should also be considered. Lactose intolerance is also common in IBD, IBS and celiac disease.
Future helpful information on colitis, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, food allergies, food intolerance, food sensitivity, eosinophilic esophagitis and irritable bowel syndrome will be available from Dr. Scot Lewey, the food allergy expert-the food doc at http://www.thefooddoc.com. Information on colitis and Crohn's disease can also be obtained from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA, http://www.ccfa.org). Dr. Scot Lewey is a member of the medical advisory panel for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of CCFA. For more information about Prometheus Laboratories Inc. see http://www.prometheuslabs.com. A more detailed explanation of the blood tests can be found in a separate article by the food doc and references below.
Traditionally, the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease is highly accurate by the appearance of the colon on colonoscopy or x-rays that confirm the presence or absence of involvement of other parts of the intestinal tract. Diagnosis is confirmed by a typical pattern of inflammation of the intestine lining as seen under the microscope on tissue obtained by biopsy during colonoscopy. However, before blood tests were available about 10% of people with IBD were diagnosed as having an indeterminate colitis because the biopsies could not distinguish between the ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
The blood tests currently available are pANCA, anti-ASCA, anti-OmpC, and anti-CBir1 flagelin antibodies. pANCA is the peripheral anti-nuclear antibody. It is an abnormal antibody to nuclear protein of cells and is highly sensitive and specific for ulcerative colitis. The pANCA anbibody has been further divided into subsets by Prometheus Laboratories Inc. Neutrophil-specific pANCA ELISA (NSNA) is positive in the majority of people with ulcerative colitis (UC) and a small subset of people with Crohn's disease that have disease characteristics more like UC. Immunofluorescent cellular staining of neutrophils (NSNA IFA) and enzyme Dnase testing (NSNA DNase sensitivity) is also done as part of the Prometheus IBD Serology 7. The latter test when present in high levels is significantly associated with development of inflammation of the rectal pouch (pouchitis) created when someone has their entire colon removed for ulcerative colitis that does not respond to medical treatment.
ASCA is anti-saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is Brewer's or Baker's yeast. Crohn's patients have a high prevalence of abnormal antibodies to this yeast. Some have suggested that another yeast, Candida albicans, somehow plays a role in this abnormal response. A few people with celiac disease have this antibody present in their blood in the absence of signs of Crohn's disease. OmpC is the abbreviation for an antibody that develops in many Crohn's patients to the outer membrane porin protein of the bacteria E. coli though that bacteria is not thought to be the cause of Crohn's disease. Just recently Prometheus Laboratories added antibody testing for a specific protein on bacteria that constitutes the flagelin or hair like structure on certain bacteria enabling movement and attachment of bacteria in the intestine called CBir1 flagelin.
Future blood tests may include antibodies against certain sugar (mannose) residues in the cell wall of the yeast saccharomyces cerevisiae. Anti-laminaribioside and anti-chitobioside antibodies were recently reported to be present in Crohn's patients who were anti-ASCA negative possibly further strengthening the ability to distinguish them from people with ulcerative colitis. This is also interesting because of suspicions and the lay public interest in the role of sugars or glycans and yeast in IBD. In particular the reports in lay literature of success of carbohydrate specific diet in IBD.
If you have a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease these blood tests may be very helpful in your treatment. If you have unexplained abdominal pain, diarrhea, or blood in your stools then these tests should be considered. If you have a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, these tests may exclude ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Since as many as 10% of people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease may also have celiac disease, celiac blood tests should also be considered. Lactose intolerance is also common in IBD, IBS and celiac disease.
Future helpful information on colitis, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, food allergies, food intolerance, food sensitivity, eosinophilic esophagitis and irritable bowel syndrome will be available from Dr. Scot Lewey, the food allergy expert-the food doc at http://www.thefooddoc.com. Information on colitis and Crohn's disease can also be obtained from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA, http://www.ccfa.org). Dr. Scot Lewey is a member of the medical advisory panel for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of CCFA. For more information about Prometheus Laboratories Inc. see http://www.prometheuslabs.com. A more detailed explanation of the blood tests can be found in a separate article by the food doc and references below.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) .
Blood tests for colitis and Crohn's disease are a relatively new and exciting development that have added significantly to the screening, diagnosis and management of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Differentiating the two may allow better predictions regarding responses to medical treatments, decisions regarding surgery options and the risks of various complications. Antibodies to various proteins including Baker's or Brewer's yeast (saccharomyces cerevisiae) and bacteria like Escherichia. coli (E. coli) are present in the blood of many people with Crohn's disease but rarely in normal people. Antibodies to a normal cell component, a nuclear protein, is present in most people with ulcerative colitis, a few people with Crohn's whose colitis behaves more like ulcerative colitis than Crohn's, and rarely in normal people.
It affects the superficial lining of the colon and rarely causes bowel obstruction (blockage) or perforation (rupture) but frequently causes severe bloody diarrhea, blood in the stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, as well as joint aches or arthritis, skin rashes, eye irritation and occasionally a severe liver disorder known as primary sclerosing cholangitis that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Ulcerative colitis can be cured by complete removal of the colon but not Crohn's disease.
It affects the superficial lining of the colon and rarely causes bowel obstruction (blockage) or perforation (rupture) but frequently causes severe bloody diarrhea, blood in the stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, as well as joint aches or arthritis, skin rashes, eye irritation and occasionally a severe liver disorder known as primary sclerosing cholangitis that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Ulcerative colitis can be cured by complete removal of the colon but not Crohn's disease.
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