THE Crohn's disease it is an inflammatory process that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Of still unknown cause, many researchers believe that it is the result of a combination of environmental, genetic and immunological factors. It is believed that bad eating habits, as well as the use of cigarettes, can influence the appearance of the pathology. Another important factor is stress, which can aggravate symptoms.
This pathology often affects the small and large intestines. However, it can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. It occurs in people of both sexes, usually between the ages of 20 and 30, but it can happen at any age.
In general, we can classify the disease, according to its location, into: terminal ileum, colonic, ileocolonic and superior gastrointestinal. It can also be grouped into types, according to how it manifests, in: inflammatory, fistulizing or stricture.
the patient with Crohn's disease it may present with varied symptoms, depending on the area of the digestive system that was affected. Symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, fever and anal fissures are common.
Abdominal pain is usually felt after eating, usually in the navel area or on the right side of the body. Loss of appetite often occurs, which can lead to weight loss and even malnutrition and anorexia. Colon dilation does not normally happen, but when it does, it can indicate a serious problem. Crohn's disease appears to be associated with the appearance of colon carcinoma.
It is important to highlight that, in some cases, manifestations of the disease may occur outside the gastrointestinal tract. In these cases, the clinical manifestations occur mainly in the skin, eyes, joints and urinary tract. The formation of kidney and gallstones is common.
To make the diagnosis, the doctor will perform a clinical analysis of the patient, in addition to imaging, laboratory and histological tests. Among the imaging exams, the highlights are X-ray, endoscopy and magnetic resonance. It is an incurable disease, so treatment is done to alleviate symptoms and avoid possible complications.
The drugs used to treat Crohn's disease are mesalazine and corticosteroids. Sometimes the use of immunosuppressants may be recommended.
Surgery, in many cases, is necessary, and it is estimated that 70 to 90% of those affected need to undergo the procedure at some stage of life. However, the physician must carefully analyze the advantages and disadvantages of a surgical procedure, since the disease has a lot of recurrence.
Among the indications for surgery, the most common is clinical intractability, which is characterized by the difficulty in controlling the symptoms of the disease with medication. In addition, side effects due to the use of medications also qualify as surgical recommendation.
Other cases that lead to surgery are the appearance of abscesses, intestinal occlusion, perforations, hemorrhages and colon dilation. The most frequent complication is bowel occlusion, which is a consequence of inflammation of the bowel wall.
by Vanessa dos Santos
Graduated in Biology