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Crohn's Disease

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's Disease is an intestinal disorder characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract. Crohn's disease is characterized by ulceration of the intestines and affects the GI tract. The exact cause for Crohn's disease is unknown thought it is suspected to be due to bacterial infection. Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that differs from ulcerative colitis in that the inflammation and ulceration is noticed in all the layers of the intestines. It is noticed that people of Jewish descent are at increased risk for developing Crohn's disease. The symptoms are similar to irritable bowel syndrome.

20% cases of Crohn's disease are heriditary in nature. Symptoms of Crohn's disease are rectal bleeing and diarrhea. There is abdominal pain and weight loss. Nutritional deficiencies are noticed with patients suffering from Crohn's disease caused due to poor absorption. There may be arthritis, skin problems or gallstones.

Blood tests are done to check for presence of certain antibodies that may help diagnose Crohn's disease. A colonoscopy can aid the doctor in examining the lining of the intestines and checking the extent of inflammation. A small sample may also be taken for biopsy. CT scans and small bowel x-rays can help in identifying the areas of inflammation within the intestines. Anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to control inflammation. Corticosteroids such as Prednisone are used in treating Crohn's disease. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. Surgery is often resorted to in most cases of Crohn's disease. A part of the intestine is removed or any blockage is removed. But Crohn's disease is likely to resurface after some years of surgery.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an condition of inflammation or ulcers in the lining of the large intestine, rectum and colon. Rarely is the small intestine affected by ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is also referred to as proctitis. While this condition can affect anyone, it is noticed more often in the US, England, Eastern Europe and persons of Jewish ancestry. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that is often noticed to run in families. The symptoms of Ulcerative colitis are similar to Crohn's disease. But this disease tends to affect the small intestine or the mouth, esophagus, appendix or duodenum. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are both inflammatory bowel diseases. Typical symptoms of Ulcerative colitis include fatigue, nausea and severe abdominal cramps. Rectal bleeding and diarrhea are noticed with persons suffering from Ulcerative colitis, though the intensity depends on the inflammation. There is loss of appetite and weight loss. The symptoms may tend to recur at regular intervals or when eating highly seasoned food or raw fruits and vegetables. Other conditions such as hepatitis, osteoporosis, anemia and arthritis are sometimes triggered by Ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis has been traced to abnormal disorder of the immune system of the intestine. Consequently the immune system triggers off an inflammation of the intestinal tissues. Often a diet high in fat and refined foods may be responsible for ulcerative colitis. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis tend to come in spurts, with periods of acute illness followed by periods of remission. If left untreated, persons suffering from ulcerative colitis carry significant risk of carcinoma. Treatment for ulcerative colitis is based on the seriousness of the condition. While medication can help in most cases, surgery is resorted to for severe inflamation and life-threatening condition. Medications cannot cure ulcerative colitis but they can help in maintaining periods of remission. The patient can enjoy a better quality of life. Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulators are prescribed for patients of ulcerative colitis to reduce inflammation.

Gallbladder Disease

Persons with high blood cholesterol levels or those suffering from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colities are at increased risk for gallbladder disease. Gallbladder disease can result from either inflammation or presence of gall stones. Cholecystitis refers to inflammation of the gallbladder. Cholelithiasis is a gallbladder disease caused due to gall stones. Gallstones are noticed more in women than men. Gallstones form when the bile composition undergoes change. This can occur due to severe illness, alcohol abuse or tumors. Incidence of gallstones increases with age. Estrogen intake and lipid-lowering agents can play a role in formation of gallstones. Obesity, liver cirrhosis and peptic ulcers can lead to gallstones. Fatty diets and high cholesterol are most often the leading causes for formation of gallbladder stones. Diabetics are at higher risk for gallstones.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease include pain in the upper abdomen or under the right shoulder. A patient suffering from gallbladder disease has abdominal bloating, nausea and gas. There is indigestion. Abdominal pain worsens on consumption of fatty food. There might be chest pain too. Gallbladder disease can also lead to chronic nausea. Often people can live with gallstones and not realize it since they do not exhibit any symptoms. When gallstones move into the bile duct, they can lead to complications such as liver damage and jaundice.

Blood tests can check for liver function. Ultrasound scans aid in detecting gallbladder stones. CT scans or MRI scans are sometimes resorted to. MRI scans aid in viewing the bile ducts. Oral cholecystorgram aids in evaluating the functioning of the gall bladder. Pancreatic inflammation can be detected by checking blood amylase levels. Low level radioactive tracers are sent by a Heida scan to assess gallbladder functioning. You can lower the risks of gallbladder disease by keeping your weight under check and regular exercise regimen. This can help keep cholesterol and sugar levels under control. Laparoscopic surgery is used to remove the gall bladder. This is resorted to in case of inflammation of the pancreas or acute attack of gallbladder disease. This prevents recurrence of gall stones.