Treatments
What is a stoma?
An artificial opening in the abdominal wall
What are three possible causes of Crohn’s?
Problems with the immune system, genetics, environmental factors
What is Crohn’s?
An inflammatory bowel disease
What class of drugs are effective at reducing inflammation in Crohn’s?
Corticosteroids
What are some environmental triggers for Crohn’s?
Substances from food, microbes, cigarettes, and more
What are some key symptoms of Crohn’s?
Abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, malnutrition
What is something that is commonly cut of the diet when someone has Crohn’s?
Milk and dairy
How does the immune system normally respond to a harmful microbe?
The immune system detects a foreign microbe, it alerts the immune cells and triggers the inflammatory response, immune cells migrate to the site and attack the invader, then the inflammation subsides
What is the main focus in treating Crohn’s?
Symptom management
What are the four areas of the colon in which someone could have a colostomy?
Ascending, Transverse, Descending, Sigmoid
What is a factor that makes someone slightly more at risk of developing Crohn’s?
If they have a direct family member who has Crohn’s
When a colostomy is present in the ________ colon, the stool will be liquid.
Ascending colon
What should you include in patient teaching with someone who has been diagnosed with Crohn’s?
Importance of rest and diet management, the actions and adverse effects of their medications, symptoms of recurring disease, when to seek medical care, and stress management techniques
What happens to the immune system in Crohn’s?
The immune system attacks microbes inappropriately and the inflammatory response persists, causing chronic inflammation
In what age range is Crohn’s typically diagnosed?
Age 15 - 30