crohn's disease
What is it?
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis belong to a group of conditions known collectively as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, most often in the end of the small intestine (ileum) or the beginning of the large intestine (colon), but may involve any part from the mouth to the anus. Crohn’s disease is characterized by an abnormal response from the body’s immune system to food, bacteria and other materials in the intestine that are mistaken for foreign substances.
0
People are living with Chron's Disease0
New cases diagnosed each yearChron's Disease most often impacts ages of
15 - 30
However anyone can be affected by Chron's Disease at any age
Studies have shown that Crohn’s disease is triggered by a genetic predisposition in some patients: about 15% of those affected have a close relative (parent, child or sibling) with an IBD. Environmental factors also play a role in Crohn’s disease; it is more common in developed countries and urban areas, other factors include viruses, bacteria, smoking, diet and stress.
How is Crohn’s disease diagnosed?
Crohn’s disease is diagnosed through a combination of lab tests and imaging studies. Initial lab tests highlight signs of inflammation and internal bleeding. Ultrasound, CT and MRI scans, sigmoidoscopies, colonoscopies and capsule (or double-balloon) endoscopies are further used to identify the severity and location of disease along the GI tract.
Symptoms
Patients may experience episodes of disease activity, or flare-ups, followed by periods where symptoms are less severe
Management of Chron's Disease
The main goal of treatment is to
Decrease
Decrease inflammation. Treatments may act to relieve symptoms acutely or for long-term maintenance.
0%
of patients will eventually require surgery when medical therapy is no longer effective or complications arise.Approximately
1 in5
of patients undergoing surgery will experience a recurrence of their symptoms one year after surgery
Value of Patients Organizations
Overarching Principal of Advocacy
Representation
Mobilization
Empowerment
Crohn’s disease is diagnosed through a combination of lab tests and imaging studies. Initial lab tests highlight signs of inflammation and internal bleeding. Ultrasound, CT and MRI scans, sigmoidoscopies, colonoscopies and capsule (or double-balloon) endoscopies are further used to identify the severity and location of disease along the GI tract.