Sarah Reyner

10/30/13
BSC 251L
Section 3
Crohns Disease
In 1932, Dr. Burrill B. Crohn identified a condition. Named after the physician who first
described the condition, Crohns disease soon became assigned to a broad group known as
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (CCFA 2013). This classification was due to the chronic
inflammation that occurs along a series of hollow tubes extending from the mouth to the anus.
This hollow system is called the gastrointestinal tract. Additional terminology for referring to
Crohns disease is Ileitis or Enteritis (Longstrength, 2012).
Crohns disease does not attack one specific demographic. Neither men nor women are
the main target. The only commonality between patients with Crohns disease is biological
similarities. The disease usually presents itself between the ages of 13 and 30 in relatives of
those with existing cases. This means that is is genetically inherited. Descendants of the Jewish
heritage display the highest amount of Crohns disease cases while African Americans have the
lowest percentage. Like many other conditions, smoking increases the risk of developing the
disease (CCFA 2013).
Contrary to the vast amount of research and studies that have been conducted on this
disease, the exact cause still remains unknown. Researchers believe that it is the result of an
abnormal reaction of the immune system on components in the digestive system. A properly
functioning immune system targets and destroys bacteria, viruses, or harmful substances to
prevent infection. Crohns disease causes the immune system to falsely identify and destroy

these harmless bacteria, food, and other substances that are, in fact, beneficial to the digestive
tract. Essentially, the disease clouds the judgement of the immune system from differentiating
good from harmful (Longstrength, 2012).
During such events, white blood cells accumulate in the lining of the intestines which
produces chronic inflammation in the walls of the digestive system. This inflammation leads to
ulcers, or sores, and injury located anywhere along a series of hollow tubes extending from the
mouth to the anus, a network called the gastrointestinal tract. Although this disease can affect
any region along this tract, the major target for Crohns resides in the lower part of the small
intestine, called the ilium (CCFA 2013).
The symptoms of Crohns disease are displayed differently from case to case. Each
symptom observed and the severity of it contrast case-by-case. Additionally, the symptoms are
associated with either those related to the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract or those
associated with irritable bowel disease. The swelling of the digestive tract causes severe
diarrhea or urgency to move bowels, rectal bleeding, cramps and pain in abdomen, the persistent
feeling of continuous need to evacuate bowels, and even constipation. Irritable bowel disease
presents several symptoms as well. These generally include fever, loss of appetite which leads to
weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, and loss of menstrual cycle. Because the disease presents a
cycle of flare ups followed by remission, it is classified as a chronic disease (Longstrength,
2012).
Because there is such a wide variety of symptoms associated with Crohns disease, it is
often mistaken or attributed to alternative conditions that display similar symptoms. This
decreases the likelihood of accurately pinpointing the disease. Therefore, there is no single
method available for testing for the disease with certainty. Regardless, if one is suspicious of

having Crohns the first step is visiting a physician who will perform several tests and a thorough
physical exam. First the doctor will test the blood for evidence of anemia caused by bleeding.
The sample can also indicate whether there is a high white blood cell count, which would
indicate inflammation of infection. Stool is also used as an indicator of Crohns. Stool samples
are collected and tested for signs of bleeding and also to rule out other conditions associated with
the digestive tract (CCFA 2013).
If the basic tests indicate positive results, the patient will then be sent to a specialist in
digestive diseases where more tests will be performed. The first test is called a colonoscopy, and
is the most prevalently used method. In order to determine the location of the tract affected by
the disease, the physician inserts a flexible wire through the anus which travels up the tract. The
end of the wire contains a camera which provides a visual of the patients digestive system and
allows the doctors to pinpoint the exact location (Longstrength, 2012).
Doctors also use x rays in order to asses a patients case of Crohns Disease. X-ray
technicians can create images of a patients interior by performing either a computerized
tomography (CT) scan or an upper or lower GI series. CT scans combine a variety of x rays in
order to create a 3-D image and GI series enhance visual displays due to the patients ingestion
of certain solutions (CCFA 2013).
Persons diagnosed with Crohns disease may choose from a variety of methods of
treatment. However, for every case, a proper diet and nutritional consciousness is vital for the
control of symptoms. Crohns is not necessarily caused by certain foods, but they can definitely
initiate flare ups and induce diarrhea and discomfort. Physicians recommend patients with
Crohns to avoid high fiber foods, spicy foods, dairy products, and alcohol (CCFA 2013).

Sadly, there is no exact medical treatment of this disease. The only medication provides
to those with Crohns is medications that treat the symptoms. These medications include various
pain relievers, such as Tylenol, and diarrhea inhibitors, such as Loperamide. However, when the
case is severe, physicians often recommend surgical procedures where they will go in and
remove the impaired digestive tissue that has been effected by Crohns (Longstrength, 2012).
As with the lack of a known cure, there is also a lack of preventative measures. Because
the disease is usually genetic, it is almost impossible to prevent the disease. The only thing that
can be done is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes having a well balanced diet,
managing stress, and being active. Those predisposed to contracting the disease and those with
the disease should follow these measures in order to control the symptoms. If left untreated, a
person could suffer from a series of complications including death and miscarriage during
pregnancy. Such complications only occur when the disease is in its active stages (CCFA 2013).

Sources
Longstrength, G. National Institute of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
(2012). Crohn's disease. Retrieved from website:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000249.htm
CCFA: Crohn's | Colitis | IBD. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2013. University of Maryland Medical
Center. "Crohn's disease." University of Maryland Medical Center. N.p., 29 Oct. 2013.
Web. 29 Oct. 2013.