Common Complications of Crohn's Disease

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that commonly leads to complications such as intestinal obstruction, acute perforation, rectal bleeding, and poor absorption syndrome due to intra-abdominal abscesses. Due to inflammation, there is an increase in intestinal mucosa and narrowing of the intestinal lumen, which makes intestinal obstruction more likely. The decrease in protective barrier function of the intestinal mucosa makes it susceptible to acute perforation, which can also lead to rectal bleeding when perforated. Examinations for Crohn’s disease include colonoscopy, barium enema, CT scans, complete blood count, and intestinal absorption tests. The treatment involves a combination of medication and surgery, as the exact cause of the disease is not very clear, and it tends to have a prolonged course with recurrent flare-ups, making it difficult to cure completely.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
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Crohn's disease daily diarrhea frequency

Crohn's disease can cause diarrhea, sometimes occurring two to three times a day, and in severe cases, it can happen dozens of times per day. The diarrhea caused by Crohn's disease may include mucus-like or pus-blood-like stool, and it is also accompanied by chills, fever, weight loss, etc. In severe cases of Crohn's disease, there is a possibility of intestinal perforation. Therefore, once Crohn's disease is diagnosed, aggressive treatment is necessary. Initially, drugs such as mesalazine can be considered for treatment. If the treatment is not effective, it may be necessary to consider using steroids or immunosuppressants. If necessary, biological treatments such as infliximab may be used. (Please follow medical advice regarding medication.)

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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Will routine blood tests be normal for Crohn's disease?

If you have Crohn's disease, conducting a routine blood test can be helpful for an auxiliary diagnosis. If the routine blood test for someone with Crohn's disease shows an increase in white blood cells, it may be indicative of a bacterial infection. Crohn's disease can lead to persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, and inadequate absorption of nutrients. It may also result in anemia, low red blood cell count, and low hemoglobin levels. Diagnosis can be confirmed by considering the individual's clinical symptoms in conjunction with stool routine tests and colonoscopy examinations.

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Written by Si Li Li
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What are the symptoms of the early stage of Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease is a chronic, non-specific inflammatory disease, primarily characterized by symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea. Initially, the symptoms are predominantly abdominal pain and diarrhea, but later stages may include weight loss and abdominal masses. It is challenging to treat and prone to relapse, with a tendency for lifelong recurrence. Colonoscopy can reveal longitudinal, deep ulcers in the intestines, and the disease can affect the entire digestive tract. It is crucial to pay attention to diet, emphasizing easy-to-digest foods. Fatty, greasy, raw, cold, fried, grilled, and sweet foods should be avoided. Consuming easily digested foods such as porridge and soup, or well-cooked noodles, or ensuring meat is thoroughly cooked can help reduce the burden on the digestive tract.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Can Crohn's disease patients take tonics?

Crohn's disease is a chronic nonspecific inflammatory disease that can occur throughout the digestive tract, presenting with mucosal ulcers in a longitudinal and phased distribution. Crohn's disease can flare up in any part of the digestive tract, and currently, there are no highly effective medications to treat it, and the disease can relapse throughout a person's life. There are many supplements available on the market today, and most of them are composed of traditional Chinese medicines, animal proteins, and other substances. Some specific foreign proteins can directly or indirectly activate immune cells, thus exacerbating the immune response. This can potentially worsen the symptoms of the disease, leading to more severe mucosal damage and an overall aggravation of the condition. Therefore, it is not advisable for individuals with Crohn's disease to consume these supplements indiscriminately. It is best to maintain a good diet and lifestyle habits instead.

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Can Crohn's disease be detected with an enhanced CT of the small intestine?

Crohn's disease cannot be accurately diagnosed through a CT scan of the small intestine; it only shows a general overview of the condition. To accurately diagnose specific conditions of Crohn's disease, it is necessary to perform a colonoscopy, combined with blood tests, routine stool tests, and pathological examinations for a definitive diagnosis. Then, further diagnoses can be made based on individual clinical symptoms. This disease generally has a definite connection with genetic and immune factors. If the condition is severe, surgery may be considered to remove the affected intestines.