Explore the causes, symptoms, and latest treatment options for managing Crohn's disease and promoting long-term health.
By Marianna Herrera, RN BSN IgCN, Clinical Nurse Educator II - December 24, 2024
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract. Symptoms can include frequent, recurring diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever, reduced appetite, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, abdominal cramping, mouth sores and pain or drainage near or around the anus due to inflammation from a tunnel into the skin (fistula). Symptoms may have a gradual or sudden onset and can vary from mild to severe. People with very severe disease may also experience symptoms outside the digestive tract, such as inflammation of the eyes, skin and joints, inflammation of the liver and bile ducts, kidney stones, iron deficiency (anemia) and delayed growth or sexual development (children). Crohn’s is an autoimmune chronic condition and cannot be cured.
To diagnose Crohn's disease, it is common to undergo blood tests which include routine blood tests, fecal blood tests and antibody blood tests. Endoscopy such as colonoscopy and upper endoscopy allows viewing of the entire colon using a thin, flexible, lighted tube with a camera at the end. Another option, capsule endoscopy, involves a small plastic “pill”-like camera that is swallowed and used to visualize the entire digestive tract. During endoscopy procedures, small samples of tissue (biopsy) for laboratory analysis may be taken, which may help to make a diagnosis. Clusters of inflammatory cells called granulomas, if present, help essentially confirm the diagnosis of Crohn's. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to identify areas of disease activity and complications.
There are several therapies that can be used to treat Crohn's. Crohn’s is not fatal, and people can treat the disease, manage symptoms and prevent complications. Proper treatment can promote long-term health.
Treatment includes:
Medications:
- Corticosteroids
- Prednisone
- Methylprednisolone
- 5-aminosalicylates
- Sulfasalazine/Azulfidine®
- Mesalamine/Pentasa®
- Rowasa®
- Asacol® HD
- Immune suppressants
- Azathioprine/Imuran®
- Mercaptopurine
- Methotrexate
- Biologic medications
- Adalimumab, Humira® and their biosimilars
- Certolizumab pegol/Cimzia®
- Infliximab, Remicade® and their biosimilars
- Natalizumab/Tysabri®
- Risankizumab/Skyrizi®
- Ustekinumab/Stelara®
- Vedolizumab/Entyvio®
- Small molecule advanced therapies
- Etrasimod/Velsipity®
- Ozanimod/Zeposia®
- Tofacitinib/Xeljanz®
- Upadacitinib/Rinvoq®
- Antibiotics
- Metronidazole
- Ampicillin
- Ciprofloxacin
- Antidiarrhea medication
- Pain Medication
Nutrition
Proper nutrition and following a diet that prevents flare ups will ensure nutritional needs are met.
Surgery
Surgery can treat complications of Crohn’s disease. Surgery may be needed to repair or remove intestinal perforations (holes), fistulas, strictures and blockages.
References
