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Also known by various other names such as granulomatous enteritis or colitis, Crohns disease is not easily diagnosed since its symptoms resemble those of other IBD. The inflammation causes abdominal pain and often results in diarrhea. Other symptoms include persistent rectal bleeding, weight loss and fever. Crohns disease causes the intestinal wall to swell, resulting in blockage of the intestine. It causes ulcers that can tunnel into and affect surrounding tissues such as the bladder, vagina, or even the skin. These tunnels, or fistulas, can become infected and may require surgery. Crohns disease also results in nutritional deficiencies resulting from a poor diet or intestinal loss of protein. Patients suffering from Crohns disease may also develop complications such as arthritis, skin problems, kidney stones, and inflammation in the eyes or mouth. There are various theories about what causes Crohns disease. The common opinion is that the inflammation in the intestine is caused by the reaction of the bodys immune system to a virus. The disease is believed to run in families and affects both men and women. As of now there is no cure for Crohns disease. Treatment includes measures to reduce inflammation, rectify nutritional deficiencies, and relieve other symptoms. Crohns disease is chronic and patients may require medical care over a long period, though some may experience periods of remission. Some patients need surgery to deal with blockages or abscesses in the intestine. Patients with Crohns disease in the large intestine might require surgery to remove their entire colon, while others only need to have the diseased part removed. Crohns disease may not reoccur in some patients for long periods of time and they can continue to function normally at work and at home. |
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