This document provides information about Crohn's disease, including what it is, symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and living with the disease. Specifically, it defines Crohn's as a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract that causes ulceration of the intestines. It affects the small and large intestines but can occur anywhere in the GI tract. While the exact cause is unknown, theories include issues with the immune system or environmental factors. Treatment involves medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms, as well as potential surgery. The document emphasizes that Crohn's is a lifelong condition but one that can be managed with medical treatment and lifestyle changes.

1. Ashley Walker
Biology 2401
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3. WHAT IS CROHN’S DISEASE ?
 A chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal
tract. It primary causes ulceration in the large and
small intestines.
 It usually affects the large and small intestines but can
occur anywhere in the GI tract from the mouth to the
anus.
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4. NORMAL DIGESTIVE TRACT
 Organs of the digestive tract
-Mouth
-Esophagus
-Stomach
-Small intestine
-Large intestine
-Rectum
-Anus
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5. Normal Crohn’s
Colon Colon
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6. WHAT CAUSES CROHN’S DISEASE ?
The cause of Crohn’s Disease is unknown
 Current Theories
-Immune system acting on its self
-Something in the environment
-Genes
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7. WHO GET’S CROHN’S DISEASE?
 500 thousand Americans have Crohn’s
 20 to 25% have a blood relative with Crohn’s
 Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and
35, but can occur at any age
 Affects males and females equally
 Occurs in Caucasians more often than any other racial
group.
 Found mainly in developed countries
 Smoking also increases risk
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8. Symptoms
 Abdominal pain and cramping
 Diarrhea
 Fever
 Weight Loss
 Bloating
 Anal pain or drainage
 Rectal abscess
 Fissure
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9. OTHER SYMPTOMS
Symptoms outside the intestines
 Eyes (redness and itching)
 Mouth (sores)
 Joints ( swelling and pain)
 Skin ( bumps and other lesions)
 Bones (osteoporosis)
 Kidney (stones)
 Liver (hepatitis and cirrhosis) rare
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10. DIAGNOSIS
 Family and personal history
 Stool test
 Blood test
 Colonoscopy
 CAT Scans
 Barium X-rays
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11. TREATMENT
Medications
 Anti-Inflammatory drugs
 Anti-diarrheal
 Immune suppressors
 Remicade
 Antibiotics
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12. OTHER TREATMENTS
 Diet and Nutrition
-Decrease in appetite
-Poor absorption of nutrients
 Surgery
-Two-thirds of patients will require surgery
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13. QUESTIONS
 Can stress make Crohn’s Disease worse?
 Is pregnancy safe for women with Crohn’s Disease?
 Can Crohn’s cause cancer?
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14. LIVING WITH CROHN’S
 Crohn’s Disease is not curable but it is treatable.
 Most people will have periods of remission
 It’s import to follow you doctors advice
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15. FINDING A CURE
 Research
 Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation
of America
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16. References Cited
About Crohn’s Disease, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. 2 April 2010. http://ccfa.org/info/about/crohns
Cocker, Joe. “You Can Leave Your Hat On,” Super Hits, SONEY&BMG
Crohn’s Disease, MedicineNet.com.: 2 April 2010 http: www.medicinenet.com/crohns_disease/article.htm
Crohn’s Disease, National Institute of Heath, National Digestive Disease Information Clearing House: 2 April 2010
http://digestive.niddk,nih.gov/ddiseases/pub/crohns/
Crohn’s Info, Crohn’s Disease Info Center. Shafran Gastroenterology Center. 2 April
2010http://shafran.net/crohn/cdinfo.htm
Living with Crohn’s, N.p. :Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, March 2007
Normal and Diseased Colons, Online Image, 2 April 2010
http://sswahs.nse.gov.au/concord/gastr/BowelDisease/Crphn.html
http://www.medikidz.com
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