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What Is Crohn's Disease, Which Parts of the Digestive System Does It Affect?
Picture of Crohn's Disease Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Crohn's disease is one of the many types of inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. Ulcerative colitis or UC also is an IBD. Any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus can be involved in Crohn's disease, although it most commonly affects the end of the small intestine called the terminal ileum and the beginning of the large intestine called the cecum. The inflammation may extend deep into the tissues of the organ that is affected. Organs of the digestive system include the:
What Are the Parts and Functions of the Digestive System?
QUESTIONWhat is Crohn's disease? See AnswerWhat Are the Complications of Crohn's Disease?
The following may occur in the digestive tract due to the complications of Crohn's disease:
Why Is Diet So Important for People with Crohn's Disease?
Nutritional complications are common in Crohn's disease.
FromCan Crohn's Disease Be Cured?The primary focus of treatment of Crohn's disease is to prevent flares, and to lessen and relieve symptoms. Doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, mesalamine, (Asacol, Pentasa), corticosteroids, and antibiotics, immunosuppressant drugs, and biologic therapy. Reviewed on 12/2/2021 References Ghazi, LJ, MD, et al. "Crohn Disease." Medscape.
Udpated: Jul 26, 2019. Patient Comments & Reviews
What body systems are affected by Crohn's?Crohn's disease is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and irritation in your digestive tract. Most commonly, Crohn's affects your small intestine and the beginning of your large intestine. However, the disease can affect any part of your digestive tract, from your mouth to your anus.
What parts of the digestive system do Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis affect?Ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon while Crohn's disease can occur anywhere between the mouth and the anus. In Crohn's disease, there are healthy parts of the intestine mixed in between inflamed areas. Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, is continuous inflammation of the colon.
What part of the digestive system is affected by IBD?The disease causes swelling and tiny open sores, or ulcers, on the surface of the lining of the large intestine or rectum. The ulcers can bleed and produce pus. With ulcerative colitis, there is a continuous area of damage along the large intestine and rectum rather than patches of damage.
What quadrant does Crohn's disease affect?Patients with flare-ups of Crohn disease typically present with abdominal pain (right lower quadrant), flatulence/bloating, diarrhea (can include mucus and blood), fever, weight loss, anemia.
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