The disease that we refer to today as Crohn??s Disease has been called by other names in other times and places.
? Bloody Flux
? Dysentery
? Diarrhea Disease
? Terminal Ileitis
Crohn??s, by any name, is a chronic disease that, although not fatal, produces some pretty miserable symptoms??.symptoms that fortunately can be controlled by medications in most cases today with the help of modern medicine.
Doctors refer to the general disease of Crohn??s by other names. The terms they use are based upon what part of the digestive system the disease is affecting. Doctors may use any of the terms listed below:
? Ileocolitis: This is the most common form of Crohn??s. It affects the ileum and colon. Diarrhea and cramping or pains in the right lower part of the abdomen are the usual symptoms and it is usually accompanied by significant weight loss.
? Iletis: This affects the ileum and the symptoms are the same as ileocolitis.
? Gastroduodenal Crohn??s disease: The stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) are the affected areas. The symptoms are loss of appetite, weight loss and nausea. Vomiting may indicate that narrowed segments of the bowel are obstructed.
? Jejunoletis: The upper half of the small intestine (the jejunum) produces patchy areas of inflammation. The symptoms are abdominal pain and cramps after meals and diarrhea.
? Crohn??s (granulomatous) colitis: Only the colon is affected. Symptoms are diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and disease around the anus (abscess, fistulas, and ulcers). Skin lesions and joint pains are more common in this form of Crohn??s than other forms. When a Crohn??s patient is having a symptoms flare-up, he will experience pain, diarrhea, bloody stool and nausea. All symptoms are not necessarily experienced by all patients. Sometimes ulcers, abscesses and fistulas can form with presents the need for surgery to correct and occasionally internal bleeding can occur. |
