CRGH Gastroenterology and Liver Services

Crohn's Disease

What is Crohn's Disease?

Crohn's disease is inflammation of the full thickness (all four layers) of the bowel, which may involve any part of the digestive tract. It predominates in the small bowel (ileum) and the large bowel (colon).

Normal Colon

Crohn's Colitis

What causes Crohn's disease?

The cause of Crohn's disease is largely unknown. Possible causes include:

Defect in the bodies immune system
Infective agents (virus or bacteria)
Researchers have ruled out emotional stress and diet as a cause for Crohn's disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease?

Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea that may be streaked with blood and gets progressively worse
Weight loss
Nutritional deficiencies
Low grade fever
Nausea and vomiting

Other general symptoms not involving the bowel include:

Joint pain and swelling
Skin lesions
Eye inflammation

These all tend to resolve once the bowel has been treated

How is Crohn's disease diagnosed?

Crohn's disease often mimics other conditions and symptoms may vary widely.
Therefore the correct diagnosis of Crohn's disease may take some time.

Diagnosis is made following investigations that may include:

Barium enema
Colonoscopy and biopsy
Small bowel X-ray

How is Crohn's disease treated?

Current medical treatments include:

Medications. Cortico-steroids and other anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and antibiotic
medications that help control the effects of Crohn's disease.
Surgery. If medical treatment is no longer effective or complications occur,
surgery may be indicated. The aim of the surgery is to remove the diseased or obstructed portion of bowel.

Is diet important?

Diet is always important especially if you suffer a chronic illness. If you have diarrhoea it is
necessary to replace lost fluid and electrolytes (salts such as sodium and potassium). It is important that people suffering Crohns disease maintain a good body weight. See diet page

Useful Contacts and Further Information

Concord Hospital has an internationally recognised Colorectal Unit and can be contacted on 97678360

Contact your General Practitioner

Or visit the following web sites

www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/
Crohn's_and_colitis_cause_bowel_inflammation?OpenDocument

www.acca.net.au/

www.gesa.org.au/

Inflammatory Bowel Disease