GI Crohn's & Colitis Flashcards
What is Crohns disease?
An inflammatory disease of the GI tract
What does Crohn’s disease cause?
Inflammation and ulceration in the digestive tract
Is Crohn’s disease in one area or in multiple segment?
Can be in one area or multiple segments
Where is crohns disease normally found?
Most usually found in the end of the ileum and the ascending column
What layers of the bwoel does crohns affect?
All the layers through to the serosa, causing a cobblestone appearance
What is the aetiology of crohns disease?
It’s idiopathic however is linked to faulty immune system and environmental factors. ?Genetic
How is crohns disease diagnosed?
GP would ask for a food diary
Blood test
Faecal test
Colonoscopy
Biopsy
MRI/CT
Gastroenterologist examinations
Who has crohns most commonly?
Presents most commonly in adolescence and early adulthood, but it may occur at any age. About 20-30% present before the age of 20 years old.
What are the signs and symptoms of crohns?
.Abdo pain - most common - low/mid R side
.Diarrhoea
.Dehydration
.Joint pain/arthritis
.Fatigue
.Weight loss
.Flare ups and remission
What are the common medications for crohns?
-Corticosteroids
-Immunosuppressive drugs
-Boiling therapy
-Amino salicylates
-Enteral nutritional supplementation
-Loperamide, mebeverine, colestyramine
-Psychological impact
Is there a cure for crohns?
No cure
What is ulcerative colitis?
An inflammatory bowel disease of the GI tract
Inflammation damages the bowel wall and ulcers from
These areas bleed and produce more mucus and pus
What are the four types of ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative proctitis
Proctosigmoiditis
Left sided colitis (distal)
Pancolitis (total colitis)
Where does ulcerative proctitis effect?
Limited to the rectum - the most mild type
Where does proctosigmoiditis effect?
Affects the rectum and the sigmoid colon
