Crohn’s Disease

                    Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the intestinal tract from mouth to anus. It is also known as ileitis.

        Common symptoms are;

n      Abdominal pain (lower right area)

n      Diarrhoea

n      Weight loss

n      Fever

n      Intestinal bleeding

n      Anaemia

                 Children with crohn’s disease may suffer stunted growth and delayed sexual development.

                  Crohn’s disease has no cure, but a combination of drugs may alleviate the symptoms. While drugs suppress the immune reaction, they increase the susceptibility to infection. Even minor infections should immediately be reported to your Doctor .If bacterial overgrowth occurs in the intestine, antibiotics will be prescribed. Eliminate any food that seems to create a problem, keep a diary of the symptoms to determine how helpful giving up this food will be……..always consult your Doctor when deciding to eliminate certain foods, only do this under his supervision.

                 High fibre foods will irritate the effected portion of the intestine, and may cause diarrhoea, therefore high fibre foods should be avoided. Consume six small meals a day. Eat slowly and chew your food carefully.

                 Nutritional deficiencies may develop because of poor absorption; these people may need a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement. Those with severe symptoms may need a special high kilojoules liquid formula. These types of supplements should be prescribed by your Doctor. The most severe cases of crohn’s disease may require total parenteral nutrition; this is where all nutrients are given intravenously (through a small needle inserted into a vein in your arm). This type of treatment must be prescribed by your Doctor.

                Some people with crohn’s disease will require surgery at same point; this becomes necessary when medications can no longer control the symptoms. Surgery may also become necessary when complications occur eg; blockage, perforation, abscess or bleeding in the intestine. This surgery may help but it is not a cure, mostly these people will eventually need another operation.

             I hope this helps……………………