Chron’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by inflammation and ulcers that affect the lining of the digestive tract. The disease can often be debilitating and may also lead to serious, life-threatening complications. In this article we will discuss the signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications, tests and diagnosis, and treatments for Chron’s Disease.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Chron’s disease after taking a prescription drug, over-the-counter drug or dietary supplement you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Signs & Symptoms of Chron’s Disease
Symptoms of Chron’s disease are dependent on the location, extent and severity of the inflammation. The following are four sub-categories of Chron’s disease and the symptoms pertaining to their particular location in the body:
- Crohn’s colitis: Only affects the colon. Symptoms include cramping, ulcers, bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- Crohn’s enteritis: Only affects the small intestine. Symptoms include cramping, ulcers, bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- Crohn’s terminal ileitis: Only affects the end of the small intestine that is closest to the colon. Symptoms include cramping, ulcers, bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- Chron’s entro-colitis/ileo-colitis: Affects the small intestine and colon. Symptoms include cramping, ulcers, bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Causes of Chron’s Disease
While Chron’s disease is considered an idiopathic disease, meaning the cause is unknown, it has been linked to the popular acne medication known as Accutane and the generic versions of it: Amnesteem, Claravis and Sotret. Those who have used Accutane, or the generic forms, may show signs of an increased risk of developing Chron’s disease.
Risk Factors of Chron’s Disease
Certain Chron’s disease risk factors that affect the disease include, but are not limited to:
- Age
- Ethnicity
- Family history
- Accutane (generic: Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret)
- Smoking
Chron’s Disease Complications
Chron’s disease may lead to one or more of the following complications:
- Bowel obstruction: The flow of digestive content through the walls of the intestine is blocked.
- Ulcers: Open sores develop anywhere in your digestive tract, including the mouth and anus.
- Fistulas: When ulcers extend all the way through intestinal walls, they create fistulas. These fistulas are abnormal connections between your intestine and other parts of the body. This creates complications in proper food absorption. If infected, fistulas can become life-threatening.
- Anal fissure: A crack in the anus or nearby skin where infections may occur.
- Malnutrition: Symptoms make it hard for your intestine to absorb enough nutrients to stay healthy.
Tests & Diagnosis
Numerous tests can be administered to determine if an individual has Chron’s disease. A gastroenterologist will begin by preforming a comprehensive evaluation that checks a patients physical health and history of complications. Once the information is gathered, doctors may begin radiological testing. The most common forms of testing include colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopes, both of which allow the doctors to view the inner lining of a patients intestine and give a proper diagnosis.
Treatments & Home Remedies
Treatments of Chron’s disease are dependent on the severity of the symptoms and the person’s age. However, the main Chron’s disease treatment is medication to prevent flare-ups and inflammation of the intestine. Typical treatments require drugs, nutritional supplements, surgery, or a combination of the three.
Do I have a Chron’s Disease Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Chron’s disease lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Chron’s disease after taking a prescription drug, over-the-counter drug or dietary supplement, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.