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Diagnosing Crohn's Disease

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Crohn’s disease occurs when there is an extensive amount of inflammation throughout the gastrointestinal tract. It can occur throughout any section, but most often found in the ileum and the colon. (Steinhart, 2006) The most common symptoms are chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, sudden weight loss, loss of appetite and fever (Military Medical, 2013). The symptoms vary from person to person, given that the symptoms are dependent on the location of the Crohn’s disease (Steinhart, 2006). The symptoms develop in three different patterns. Generally, the symptoms develop gradually, in either weeks, months and sometimes years. Patients may develop symptoms over a certain period of time, then they can disappear randomly. The relapsing symptoms causes …show more content…
The blood test would show any sign of inflammation and a sudden change in red and white blood cell count (FDA consumer, 1999). White blood cell count can increase and higher numbers of proteins can be found in the blood of individuals with crohn’s disease (Steinhart, 2006). The proteins are mechanisms that act as antibodies to protect against viruses and bacteria. If nothing is shown through a blood test, then other diagnostic methods are chosen. Blood tests don’t confirm the diagnosis of the disease, but it can give the doctors an idea of the possibility before continuing with additional testing. Alternative options give the ability to get a look at the internal organs without having to perform surgery (Steinhart & Cepo, 2014). The tests provide images through x-rays and an endoscopy. An endoscopy is done by using a long tube that has a light and camera at the tip which is passed through the gastrointestinal tract. There are two types of endoscopy, an gastroscopy and colonoscopy. The gastroscopy is where the endoscope is swallowed to look at the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, in the upper part of the gastrointestinal part. A colonoscopy is inserted through the anus, instead of the mouth to look at the ileum. These two procedures detect Crohn’s disease in 80% to 90% of

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