Crohn's Disease

Alternate Names : Regional Enteritis

What can be done to prevent the disease?

There are no effective ways to prevent Crohn's disease. An individual may be able to reduce flare-ups by managing stress and eating a soft, bland diet.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

The course of Crohn's disease varies. Because it has a tendency to come and go, it includes periods without any symptoms. Both gastrointestinal and arthritis symptoms of Crohn's disease tend to recur.

Chronic bowel problems include the development of fistulas. A fistula is an abnormal passage or duct formed by the disease. It can connect two different areas of bowel or connect the bowel to the outer skin. Other long-term effects include anal fissures, which are small tears, and pockets of pus near the rectum. A bowel obstruction or a hole or perforation in the intestines is also possible.

Mostly due to sepsis , an infection in the bloodstream, 5% to 10% of Crohn's patients will die from the disease. There is a slightly increased risk of colorectal cancer in people who have Crohn's disease.

What are the risks to others?

Crohn's disease is not contagious and poses no risk to others. There is some tendency for the disease to run in families.