Ashley WalkerBiology 2401
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WHAT IS CROHN’S DISEASE ?
A chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. It primary causes ulceration in the large and small intestines.
It usually affects the large and small intestines but can occur anywhere in the GI tract from the mouth to the anus.
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NORMAL DIGESTIVE TRACT
Organs of the digestive tract-Mouth
-Esophagus
-Stomach
-Small intestine
-Large intestine
-Rectum
-Anus
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Normal Colon
Crohn’s Colon
WHAT CAUSES CROHN’S DISEASE ?
The cause of Crohn’s Disease is unknown
Current Theories
-Immune system acting on its self
-Something in the environment
-Genes
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WHO GET’S CROHN’S DISEASE? 500 thousand Americans have Crohn’s
20 to 25% have a blood relative with Crohn’s
Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35, but can occur at any age
Affects males and females equally
Occurs in Caucasians more often than any other racial group.
Found mainly in developed countries
Smoking also increases risk
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Symptoms Abdominal pain and cramping
Diarrhea
Fever
Weight Loss
Bloating
Anal pain or drainage
Rectal abscess
Fissure
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OTHER SYMPTOMSSymptoms outside the intestines
Eyes (redness and itching)
Mouth (sores)
Joints ( swelling and pain)
Skin ( bumps and other lesions)
Bones (osteoporosis)
Kidney (stones)
Liver (hepatitis and cirrhosis) rare
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DIAGNOSIS
Family and personal history
Stool test
Blood test
Colonoscopy
CAT Scans
Barium X-rays
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TREATMENT
Medications
Anti-Inflammatory drugs Anti-diarrheal Immune suppressors Remicade Antibiotics
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OTHER TREATMENTS
Diet and Nutrition
-Decrease in appetite
-Poor absorption of nutrients
Surgery
-Two-thirds of patients will require surgery
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QUESTIONS
Can stress make Crohn’s Disease worse?
Is pregnancy safe for women with Crohn’s Disease?
Can Crohn’s cause cancer?
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LIVING WITH CROHN’S
Crohn’s Disease is not curable but it is treatable.
Most people will have periods of remission
It’s import to follow you doctors advice
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FINDING A CURE
Research
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation
of America
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References CitedAbout Crohn’s Disease, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. 2 April 2010. http://ccfa.org/info/about/crohns
Cocker, Joe. “You Can Leave Your Hat On,” Super Hits, SONEY&BMG
Crohn’s Disease, MedicineNet.com.: 2 April 2010 http: www.medicinenet.com/crohns_disease/article.htm
Crohn’s Disease, National Institute of Heath, National Digestive Disease Information Clearing House: 2 April 2010
http://digestive.niddk,nih.gov/ddiseases/pub/crohns/
Crohn’s Info, Crohn’s Disease Info Center. Shafran Gastroenterology Center. 2 April
2010http://shafran.net/crohn/cdinfo.htm
Living with Crohn’s, N.p. :Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, March 2007
Normal and Diseased Colons, Online Image, 2 April 2010
http://sswahs.nse.gov.au/concord/gastr/BowelDisease/Crphn.html
http://www.medikidz.com
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