Crohn’s disease – Colitis Association India

Crohn's Disease

In Crohn’s disease, commonly there is involvement of portioned of small intestine where it joins large intestine, called as ileo-cecal area. It can involve large intestine patches. It also tends to involve anal region and surrounding area and this is known perianal disease. It can involve any area of gastrointestinal tract. Unlike ulcerative colitis the involvement is not continuous.

There are normal areas called as skip areas Although ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease appear different, it is often not possible to clearly label the disease as one of them, because there are overlapping features. When it is not possible to clearly label the disease as Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, it is labeled as inflammatory bowel disease, unclassified (IBDU).

How common is inflammatory bowel disease?

About 30 years ago the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease was uncommon. But especially in the last 10-15 years, it is being increasingly diagnosed. About 3 to 15 out of 1, 00,000 people are affected by inflammatory bowel disease all over world every year. In total about 80 to 120 out of 1,00,000 people are affected by inflammatory bowel disease. In India a study done by Dr Sood and colleagues from Ludhiana showed that in North India, Ulcerative colitis occurs in about 6 persons out of 100000 population and total 44 out of 100000 people have ulcerative colitis. There is data about Crohn's disease but it is increasing being diagnosed.

What are the symptoms experienced by the patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease?

The signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis can vary widely, depending on the severity inflammation and where it occurs. Following symptoms are common
• Diarrhea (frequency varies) i.e. increased bowel frequency
• Continuous
• Intermittent

It is important to note that most common cause of diarrhea is simple infection and not inflammatory bowel disease. In ulcerative colitis, diarrhea is often associated with blood and mucus in stool. Diarrhea in Crohn's less common and it may occur if colon is involved
• Abdominal pain
• Blood in the stool
• Reduced appetite
• Weight loss
• Fever

The course of inflammatory bowel disease varies, with periods of acute illness often alternating with periods of remission (no symptoms). But over time, the severity of the disease usually remains the same. Only a small percentage of people with a milder condition go on to develop more severe signs and symptoms. In Crohn's disease, there is tendency for the inflammation to involve deeper layers of the intestinal wall.