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You are here: Home / Digestive Disorders in Children / Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Children / Crohn’s Disease (CD)

Crohn’s Disease (CD)

Crohn's and UCCrohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that involves the end of the small intestine (ileum) and the beginning of the large intestine (colon). Crohns may also involve any part of the digestive system from the mouth to the end of the rectum (anus). Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a related condition that is limited to the colon. The symptoms of these two illnesses are quite similar, but the areas affected in the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) are different.

Crohn’s Disease in Children

Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that involves the end of the small intestine (ileum) and the beginning of the large intestine (colon). Crohn’s may also involve any part of the digestive system from the mouth to the end of the rectum (anus). Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is a related condition that is limited to the colon. The symptoms of these two illnesses are quite similar, but the areas affected in the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) are different. IBD is a condition that causes chronic inflammation of the intestines. IBD occurs in children as a result of genetic and environmental factors.  For reasons that are not yet clearly understood, the child’s immune system becomes abnormally active against his or her own intestines.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

The symptoms of Crohn’s disease often depend on the severity of the disease and the location of the disease in the bowel. Often children with Crohn’s disease have periods of severe symptoms followed by periods of remission (no symptoms). Most children experience a combination of the following.

  • Chronic diarrhea (often with blood and mucus)
  • Abdominal tenderness and pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Unexplained fevers
  • Fatigue

Children with Crohn’s disease can have complications such as stunted growth, weak bones and delayed puberty. Other symptoms can occur from complications of the disease.

  • Arthritis
  • Anemia
  • Swelling of the eyes and mouth
  • Gallstones
  • Liver disease
  • Skin rashes
  • Kidney stones           

Causes of Crohn’s Disease

The exact causes of Crohn’s disease are not completely known, but it thought to be the result of of genetic, immune system, and environmental factors.

  • A child’s risk of having Crohn’s is about 10x greater if they have a relative with the disease. If the relative is a sibling, the risk becomes 30x greater.
  • It is believed that children with Crohn’s, the intestines are mistaken for antigens or invading substances in the body. As a result, the immune system causes inflammation to combat the antigens.
  • Inflammation can also be triggered by microorganisms and bacteria in the intestines.
  • Research has revealed that Crohn’s is more common in urban than in rural areas and more common in northern climates than in southern climates.
  • Certain foods can aggravate symptoms, but diet cannot cause or treat Crohn’s.

Diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease

IBD is diagnosed by finding specific changes to the intestines. To see these changes, tissue samples from the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine are obtained, using a procedure called an upper and lower endoscopy with biopsy. This procedure is done while the child is under anesthesia. If symptoms and medical history indicate Crohn’s Disease, Dr. Davé will schedule an endoscopy.

Crohns Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn’s Disease Cobblestone Mucosa

Treatment of Crohn’s Disease in Children

Because Crohn’s is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, the goal of treatment is reduction in symptoms and remission. Periods of remission can last for weeks or years, and there is no way to predict when symptoms will return. When Crohn’s disease is active, treatment focuses on controlling inflammation and relieving symptoms of pain, diarrhea and fever. Medication is often the first step in treating children with Crohn’s disease.

  • Antibiotics
  • Anti-inflammatories
  • Anti- diarrheal
  • Immunosuppressing drugs
  • Supplements for nutritional deficiencies

When medications fail to control the symptoms of Crohn’s, surgery to remove part of the bowel may be necessary.

It is important for children managing Crohn’s to have a healthy lifestyle. They should exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. Most children with Crohn’s disease are able to like an active life and participate in school, activities and sports when the disease is treated properly.

If you would like more information about gastrointestinal (GI) digestive disorders and nutrition in children, please contact Dr. Mona Dave’s Frisco Office or Southlake Office.

Digestive Health & Nutrition in Children

Southlake and plano office

Our offices are conveniently located in Frisco and Southlake, TX. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of patient care. Dr. Dave and her staff work extremely hard to streamline the referral process, expedite appointment scheduling, and promptly respond to patient calls. Her practice offers a pure pediatric environment. A pediatric trained professional handles … Dr. Manisha "Mona" Dave

MOM-APPROVED DOCTOR – DFW CHILD MAGAZINE

Manisha “Mona” Harpavat Dave, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist Digestive Health & Nutrition in Children Diplomate Certification in Pediatric Gastroenterology Diplomate, American Board of Pediatrics Awards and Honors          Scientific Research Frisco Office 13192 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 610 Frisco, TX 75034 Phone: 972-265-8222 Southlake Office 505 … Dr. Mona Dave

Belly Pain in Kids

Abdominal pain in kids

Abdominal (belly) pain in children is a common condition and, while not generally a serious problem, one that can cause considerable discomfort. Approximately 30% of children visit a doctor due to abdominal pain by age 15, and 10-15% of school aged children report recurring abdominal pain. Because abdominal pain can have a wide variety of causes, diagnosis can often be … Belly Pain

Celiac Disease in Children

Celiac disease (CD, Celiac Sprue, Gluten Intolerance) in children tends to have digestive disorders that may result in growth problems. Celiac disease prevents the body from absorbing essential nutrients (nutrient malabsorption) resulting in diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal distention, failure to thrive and muscle wasting. Celiac disease in teenagers may not occur … Celiac Disease

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Manisha “Mona” Dave, MD
Pediatric Gastroenterologist
Texas Digestive Disease Consultants
 

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