Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Crohn Disease

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Crohn Disease

Crohn disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease.

Explanation

• Crohn disease causes inflammation of the digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition.
• Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, cramping, blood in the stool, mouth sores, reduced appetite, and weight loss.
• The condition could be genetic or caused by an immune system reaction.
• Risk factors include age, ethnicity, family history, cigarette smoking, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Treatment includes anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids and oral 5-aminosalicylates; immune system suppressors such as azathioprine and methotrexate; biologics such as Remicade, Tysarbi and Stelara; antibiotics such as Cipro and Flagyl; and anti-diarrheal medications, pain relievers, vitamins, and nutrition therapy.

References

• Crohn's disease - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
• What Is The Difference Between Crohn's Disease And Ulcerative Colitis? (nyp.org)