IBD - Chron's disease

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

This type of IBD is characterised by inflammation of the lining of your digestive tract, which often can involve the deeper layers of the digestive tract.

Crohn’s disease most commonly affects the small intestine. However, it can also affect the large intestine and uncommonly, the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Question 2

Aetiology/ causes

Answer 2

Cause not fully understood

Potentially a combination of genetic susceptibility (family history), environment (microflora), and immune response

Question 3

Risk factors

Answer 3

Family history
Smoking
Frequent use of antibiotics
NSAIDs (can exacerbate)

Question 4

Epidemiology/ Population affected

Answer 4

More common in western world
Slightly higher in white or jewish populations
More common in those under 30y/o

Question 5

Clinical presentation

Answer 5

Diarrhoea
Fever
Fatigue
Abdominal pain and cramping
Blood in your stool
Mouth sores
Reduced appetite and weight loss

Other symptoms may include fever, mouth sores, skin rashes, joint pain, and eye inflammation.

Question 6

Prognosis

Answer 6

The prognosis for Crohn’s disease varies depending on the severity of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment. While there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, treatment can help control symptoms and prevent complications. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged parts of the intestine or to treat complications such as bowel obstruction or fistulas.

Question 7

DDX

Answer 7

Amebiasis
Behcet disease
Celiac disease
Intestinal carcinoid
Intestinal tuberculosis
Mesenteric ischemia
Ulcerative colitis

Question 8

Treatment

Answer 8

The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation which can aid in symptom relief and potential long-term remission and reduced risks of complications

Anti-inflammatories
Immunosuppressants
Antibiotics

Nutritional support and other lifestyle changes such as increasing exercise and stress management