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Crohn Disease

Transmural Inflammatory Bowel Disease — Diagnosis and Maintenance

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Crohn Disease?

Crohn disease is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disorder involving any segment of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, with transmural inflammation and skip lesions.

The terminal ileum and right colon are most often affected; perianal disease (fistulas, fissures, abscesses) is common.

Diagnosis integrates clinical, endoscopic, histologic, and imaging findings (MR enterography, CT enterography).

Disease behavior can be inflammatory, stricturing, or penetrating (fistulizing), influencing treatment choice.

Symptoms

Chronic crampy abdominal pain, especially right lower quadrant
Diarrhea with or without blood, and urgency
Weight loss, fatigue, and malnutrition
Perianal disease: fistulas, abscesses, fissures, skin tags
Extraintestinal: arthritis, erythema nodosum, uveitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis
Fever, aphthous oral ulcers, and growth failure in children

Risk Factors

Family history of IBD (first-degree relatives)
Smoking (major modifiable risk factor)
Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry and genetic polymorphisms (NOD2)
Early life antibiotic exposure and disrupted microbiota
Urban residence and Westernized diet
Appendectomy appears protective; oral contraceptives slightly increase risk

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain lasting over 4 weeks
  • Bloody stool, perianal drainage, or new fistula
  • Severe pain, fever, obstruction symptoms, or perforation signs

Treatment Methods

01
Induction: corticosteroids (prednisone or budesonide) for moderate-severe flares; exclusive enteral nutrition in pediatrics
02
Maintenance: azathioprine, methotrexate, anti-TNF (infliximab, adalimumab), ustekinumab, vedolizumab, or upadacitinib
03
Treat perianal fistulas with anti-TNF plus surgical drainage or seton placement
04
Smoking cessation, nutritional support, vitamin B12 and vitamin D supplementation
05
Surgical resection for strictures, abscess, fistula, or medically refractory disease
06
Colonoscopy surveillance for dysplasia after 8 years of colonic disease; vaccinate before immunosuppression

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.