Crohn’s Disease
Why in news?
The FDA has approved new injectable treatments like guselkumab (Tremfya) and Omvoh, expanding self-injection options and improving therapy accessibility for Crohn’s patients.
About Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that can affect any segment from the mouth to the anus, most commonly targeting the small intestine and colon.
Key Symptoms
- Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping are common.
- Other symptoms include blood in stool, mouth sores, reduced appetite, weight loss.
- Severe cases may cause fever, anal pain or drainage (fistulas), and even extraintestinal inflammation in the eyes, skin, joints, or liver.
- In children, delayed growth and development may occur.
- Periods of remission (no symptoms) alternate with active disease.
- Long-term complications may include, ulcers, fistulae, anal fissures, blood clots, and increased risk of colon cancer.
Causes and Risk Factors
- The exact cause is unknown, but genetics, immune system malfunctions, and environmental triggers (like infections) contribute.
- Smokers are at increased risk.
- It is not strictly an autoimmune disease but involves an abnormal immune response to gut microbes.
- Most cases are diagnosed between ages 20–29, though it can occur at any age.
Treatment
- There is no cure, but treatment aims to reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and maintain remission.
- Dietary support and, occasionally, vitamin supplementation are suggested due to malabsorption risk.
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