Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that which causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Crohn's disease is a chronic or long-term condition which can be painful, debilitating, and in some cases, it may progress to serious complications. It commonly occurs in the small intestine and the colon but may affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The inflammation normally spreads to the deeper layers of the bowel.

The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown, however several factors such as heredity and a malfunctioning immune system increase the risk of Crohn's disease. When the immune system tries to fight a perceived invading microorganism, an abnormal immune response causes the immune system to start attacking the cells in the digestive tract. Crohn's disease's signs and symptoms range from mild to severe and vary depending on the severity of the condition. Symptoms can include abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhoea, fever, mouth sores, and reduced appetite and weight loss. You may also experience pain and drainage near or around the anus due to anal or rectal abscess, called a perineal fistula.

People diagnosed with severe Crohn's disease may experience symptoms such as kidney stones, iron deficiency (also known as anaemia), and delayed growth or sexual development in children. Inflammation of the skin, eyes, joints, and the liver or bile ducts may also be experienced. Crohn's disease diagnosis involves Dr Wright using several tests such as blood and stool tests, a gastroscopy, a colonoscopy and a capsule video endoscopy to examine the whole gastrointestinal tract. A tissue sample called a biopsy might also be taken during a gastroscopy or colonoscopy.

As a gastroenterologist, Dr Wright will prescribe anti-inflammation drugs, antibiotics and anti-diarrheals to help manage inflammation and diarrhoea as well as abdominal pain. Most patients will be given biologic drugs to help reduce the body's immune response by targeting proteins that lead to inflammation. Occasionally when treatment doesn't seem to help surgery can be indicated to correct complications such as abscesses, perforation, bleeding and bowel blockage.