QUICK FACTS: CROHN’S DISEASE
Symptoms:
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Abdominal pain, often in the lower right area
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Diarrhea
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Rectal bleeding
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Weight loss
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Fever
Common Causes:
Theories about what causes Crohn’s disease abound, but none have been proven. The most popular theory is that the body’s immune system reacts to a virus or a bacterium by causing ongoing inflammation in the intestine.
Diagnosis:
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Medical history review and review of symptoms
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Physical examination
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Series of tests, which may include:
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Blood tests
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Stool sample testing
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Upper gastrointestinal series (upper GI/barium swallow)
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Colonoscopy
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X-rays of both upper and lower digestive tract, if deemed necessary
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Common Treatments:
Treatment for Crohn’s disease depends on the location and severity of disease, complications and response to previous treatment.
