What is the clinical features of crohn disease?

 Clinical Features of Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and its clinical features vary depending on the site, severity, and extent of the disease. The presentation may be gradual or acute, with both intestinal and extraintestinal symptoms.

Clinical Features of Crohn’s Disease


1. Gastrointestinal (Intestinal) Symptoms

Symptom Description
Chronic diarrhea Often watery, may contain mucus or blood (especially if the colon is involved)
Abdominal pain Usually crampy and localized in the right lower quadrant (ileum area)
Weight loss Due to malabsorption and reduced intake
Fever Especially during flare-ups
Fatigue From chronic inflammation and anemia
Nausea and vomiting If the upper GI tract or small bowel is involved
Tenesmus Feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation (common with rectal involvement)
Rectal bleeding Less common than in ulcerative colitis but may occur
Fistulas Abnormal connections between bowel loops or with skin, bladder, vagina, etc.
Perianal disease Skin tags, fissures, abscesses, and fistulas around the anus
Bowel obstruction Due to strictures or inflammation

2. Extraintestinal Manifestations

These are systemic signs and symptoms that affect other organs and are common in Crohn’s disease.

🔹 Musculoskeletal

  • Arthritis (peripheral or axial)

  • Sacroiliitis

  • Ankylosing spondylitis

🔹 Dermatological

  • Erythema nodosum (painful red nodules, usually on shins)

  • Pyoderma gangrenosum (ulcerating skin lesions)

🔹 Ocular

  • Uveitis

  • Episcleritis

  • Conjunctivitis

🔹 Hepatobiliary

  • Fatty liver

  • Primary sclerosing cholangitis (rare)

  • Cholelithiasis (gallstones)

🔹 Nutritional Deficiencies

Due to malabsorption, especially in small bowel disease:

  • Iron deficiency anemia

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency

  • Folate deficiency

  • Vitamin D and calcium deficiency → risk of osteoporosis

3. Pediatric Features (in children and adolescents)

  • Growth retardation

  • Delayed puberty

  • Weight loss or failure to thrive

  • Behavioral changes due to chronic illness

4. Disease Course and Patterns

Crohn’s disease typically follows a relapsing and remitting course, meaning

  • Periods of active disease (flare-ups) alternate with remission

  • Flare-ups may be triggered by stress, infection, or medication non-compliance

 Important Note:

  • The location of the disease influences the symptoms:

    • Ileal disease → weight loss, B12 deficiency

    • Colonic disease → bloody diarrhea

    • Perianal disease → fistulas, abscesses


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is a dpt program?

 🩺 What is the DPT Program?  If you've ever been fascinated by how the human body moves and heals — and want a career that blends science, care, and impact — then a  Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)  program might be your perfect match. Whether you're a high school student exploring health careers, a college graduate looking to specialize, or just curious about physical therapy education, this article will break down  what the DPT program is , what it includes, and how it prepares you to become a licensed physical therapist. 🧠 What is a DPT Program? The  Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)  program is a  postgraduate professional doctorate  designed to train students to become licensed  physical therapists (PTs) . It’s the  entry-level requirement  for anyone who wants to practice as a PT in many countries, including the United States. This degree focuses on: Movement science Patient rehabilitation Injury prevention Manual thera...
Read more

What is osteogenesis imperfecta?

Image
What is Osteogenesis Imperfecta? | Causes, Types, Symptoms & Treatment Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) , also known as “brittle bone disease,” is a rare genetic disorder characterized by fragile bones that break easily , often with little or no trauma. It affects the production of collagen , a key protein that provides strength and structure to bones and connective tissues.  What is Osteogenesis Imperfecta? Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a hereditary connective tissue disorder . It primarily affects the bones but may also involve the teeth, skin, ligaments, and eyes . The condition is caused by mutations in genes—mostly COL1A1 or COL1A2 —that control the production of type I collagen . As a result, bones become brittle, leading to frequent fractures and skeletal deformities.  Types of Osteogenesis Imperfecta  There are at least eight recognized types of OI, varying from mild to severe. Here's a simplified breakdown: Type Description Severity Type I Most...
Read more

what is brain encephalitis?

Image
Brain Encephalitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Encephalitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition characterized by inflammation of the brain . It is often caused by a viral infection  but may also occur due to autoimmune reactions, bacteria, or other pathogens. If not treated promptly, encephalitis can lead to severe neurological complications.  What is Brain Encephalitis? Encephalitis is the inflammation of brain tissue. The inflammation causes the brain to swell, which can interfere with normal brain function and lead to a wide range of neurological symptoms. It can be classified as: Primary encephalitis : Direct viral infection of the brain. Secondary encephalitis : An immune response following an infection elsewhere in the body. Causes of Encephalitis 1. Viral Infections (Most Common Cause) Herpes Simplex Virus (most common and severe) Enteroviruses Varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox) Measles, mumps, r...
Read more