CROHN'S DISEASE

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It is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It is a disease that can affect the entire digestive system from mouth to anus and manifests itself with intermittent inflammations. The exact cause is unknown. Genetic factors and environmental factors are thought to trigger the disease.

Patients generally complain of abdominal pain, weight loss and prolonged diarrhea. In general, it should be considered in patients who present with these complaints at a young age. It can be seen in all age groups. Fatigue, loss of appetite and fever are other common symptoms. Blood and mucus can be seen in the stool. Patients may also have symptoms of diseases related to the skin, eye and musculoskeletal system. Crohn's disease can also affect the liver and pancreas organs.  

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There is no single diagnostic method for Crohn's disease. Diagnosis of patients is made by evaluating together clinical examination and evaluation, imaging methods, endoscopy, pathology and laboratory methods.

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Smoking, family history and previous infectious gastroenteritis are known as proven risk factors for the disease. Frequent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers poses a risk for Crohn's disease.

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Nutritional problems and anemia may occur in Crohn's patients. Inflammatory parameters increase in blood tests. Abscesses can be seen in the abdomen and around the anus. Fistulas and fissures in the anus can be observed in the course of the disease. In Crohn's disease, narrowing and adhesions can be seen in the intestines. Studies have shown that crohn's patients have a high risk of surgical intervention at some point in their lives.  

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As a general recommendation, patients should quit smoking. Smoking reduces the response of patients to treatment and increases the risk of surgical intervention. Quitting smoking improves the course of the disease.  

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The treatment of patients varies according to the location of the disease and the way of behavior. Basically, drugs that regulate and suppress the immune system are used. Antibiotics are also used in the course of the disease. It can be used as needle treatments in new generation agents that regulate the immune system. The goal of treatment is to improve the patient's symptoms and lesions.

Although Crohn's disease is a serious and chronic disease, it can be controlled with current treatment approaches.