Intestinal Problems

Crohn’s Disease Chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuHpxAj8imQ Chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines Primarily causes ulcerations of the small and large intestines (may cause ulcerations anywhere along digestive tract)

Healthy

Crohn’s Disease

Cause is unknown Has a genetic link Affects males and females Goes into periods of remission and activation There is no cure

The immune system is abnormally and chronically activated when no invader is present This activation results in chronic inflammation and ulceration

In the early stages of Crohn’s Disease, small, shallow, scattered crater-like areas form on the bowels Over time, these areas turn into ulcers and eventually scar over affecting the area This can lead to a narrowing of the intestine

Normal Intestine

Terminal Ileum Affected by Crohn’s ©http://library. med. utah

Small Intestine ©http://library.med.utah.edu/WebPath/GIHTML/GI060.html

Signs and Symptoms Abdominal pain Fatigue Loss of appetite Weight loss

Treatment Lifestyle changes Medication/steroids Surgery