Medical Author: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Medically Reviewed on 3/11/2019
Doctor's Notes on Crohn's Disease in Children and Teens
Crohn’s disease (also termed Crohn disease) is chronic inflammation of any part of the digestive tract, although it usually involves the terminal small bowel, cecum and anus. It is diagnosed mainly in people aged 13-30 years but may occur at any age. The most common signs and symptoms in children and teens include diarrhea with mucus or pus, crampy or steady pain in the right lower abdomen (sometimes relieved for a short time by a bowel movement), pain or bleeding with a bowel movement and, in some individuals, bloating after eating, constipation, and/or infections of the anus, urinary tract or vagina (caused by fistula formation). Some may develop skin problems (erythema nodosum - raised red bumps especially on lower legs), mouth ulcers and eye inflammation. The following general symptoms may occur in some patients; fatigue, anemia, weight loss, low-grade fevers and delayed growth.
The exact cause of Crohn’s disease in children and teens is unknown. Theories suggest it occurs due to a combination of genetic (familial), environment, diet, blood vessel and/or psychosocial factors cause the disease. Some researchers theorize the immune system is the cause by overreacting to a virus or bacterium infection.
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Anemia
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Barium Enema
A barium enema is a diagnostic test that us performed to examine the colon and rectum for abnormalities. Barium enema may be ordered for a patient to identify inflammation of the intestinal wall, diverituli, narrowed areas of the bowel, polyps,and cancer. Risks of barium enema include low potassium levels, dehydration, constipation, and rarely rectal bleeding. -
Barium Swallow Test
A barium swallow is a test used to determine causes of painful or difficulty swallowing, and diseases such as GERD, hiatal hernia, ulcers, dysphagia, tumors, or polyps of the esophagus and stomach. Risks of barium swallow include an allergic reaction to the barium drink, constipation, or aspiration of barium into the windpipe.The barium swallow procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes. -
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is pain that persists for a period of six months or longer, and is the result of a long-standing medical condition(s) or damage to the body. Common sources of chronic pain include headaches, back pain, and arthritis. There are several types of pain including general somatic pain, visceral pain, bone pain, muscle cramps, neuropathy, circulatory problems, and headache pain. Chronic pain may be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medications. -
Colitis
Colitis is an inflammation of the colon. There are many cause of colitis, infectious colitis (bacterial or viral), ischemic colitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), microscopic colitis (lymphocytic and collagenous), and chemical colitis. Symptoms of colitis are generally diarrhea (may be bloody) and abdominal pain and/or cramping. Treatment of colitis depends upon the cause. -
Colon Cancer
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Colonoscopy Procedure
Colonoscopy is a procedure used to view the inside of the colon. Reasons for colonoscopy is to detect or diagnose diseases of the colon, for example, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, other types of colitis, colon polyps, colon cancer, diverticulitis, and other bowel and rectal diseases. Risks for colonoscopy include colon perforation, infection, or bleeding. -
Crohn's Disease (Crohn)
Crohn's disease (Crohn disease) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and is a chronic long-term inflammation of the digestive tract. The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. Symptoms of Crohn's disease include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, bloating, and infections of the urinary tract and vagina. Treatment for Crohn's disease includes lifestyle changes in diet, medication, and surgery. -
Crohn's Disease Anatomy
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Crohn's Disease Diet (Triggers and Soothing Foods)
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Crohn's Disease FAQs
Crohn's disease (Crohn disease) is a chronic condition that is characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract. Crohn's disease is considered an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Symptoms of Crohn's disease include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, and fever. Treatment options include diet changes, medication, and surgery. The prognosis for Crohn's disease depends on the patient and the areas affected by Crohn's disease. -
Crohn's Disease Treatment Medications (Side Effects, List)
Crohn's disease medications prescribed for the treatment of the disease, and symptom relief include aspirin like anti-inflammatories, for example, mesalamine (Asacol, Pentasa, Apriso, Lialda, Canasa, Rowasa), olsalazine (Dipentum), and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, EN-Tabs). Corticosteroids, for example, budesonide (Entocort), methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol), prednisolone (Delta-Cortef), and prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone). Immunosuppressants, for example, azathioprine (Imuran), 6-mercaptopurine (Purinethol), and methotrexate (Folex). Biologic drugs, for example, infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), and certolimumab (Cimzia). Review the list of these drugs and their side effects. -
Crohn's Disease: Living With Crohn's Disease
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CT Scan (CAT Scan, Computerized Axial Tomography)
What is a CT scan? Computerized tomography scans (CT scans) are important diagnostic tools for a variety of medical conditions. Some areas of the body frequently evaluated by CT scans include the brain, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and sinuses. The CT scan process uses X-rays and a computer to produce cross-sectional images of the body. -
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, parasites, intestinal diseases or conditions, reactions to medications, and food intolerance or allergies. Symptoms of diarrhea include watery stools, abdominal cramping, fever, and dehydration. Most cases of diarrhea can be treated at home. In some cases (in the elderly, small children, or those with severe or chronic medical conditions) may need to be hospitalized due to dehydration. -
Endoscopy
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Endoscopy Procedure: Diagnosing Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease can be diagnosed by a variety of procedures and tests such as endoscopy. There are several different names for endoscopy, and it depends on what part of the digestive tract being examined. Types of endoscopy include esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound, and balloon endoscopy, or enteroscopy. Preparation for endoscopy depends on the type of test being performed. Signs and symptoms of diarrhea, weight loss, fever, anemia, decrease in appetite, nausea, and abdominal pain and cramping. -
Stomach Pain (Abdominal Pain) in Children
Abdominal pain in children can range from trivial to life-threatening. Symptoms of abdominal pain range from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, groin pain, urinary problems, or skin rash. The location of the abdominal pain may be around the belly button, occurs only at night, while eating. The pain pain also may be intermittent. Treatment of abdominal pain in children is depends on the cause. Possible causes of abdominal pain in children include infections, food related (food allergy or food poisoning), poisoning from medication, food, household products, appendicitis, diabetes, or spider bites.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.