Crohns Disease Diagnosis

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the digestive tract. Generally, it is the small intestine and colon that are affected by it. It leads to ulcerations of small as well as large intestines. However, it can affect any part of the digestive system from the mouth to the anus.

For someone suffering from the disease, accurate Crohns diseases diagnosis is the prominent step that needs to be taken. It becomes very important especially when its symptoms, which may imitate other conditions, may mislead the sufferer. The foremost thing is that this disease keeps on progressing with the passage of time.                   

You will need to go through certain medical and physical examination to have confirmed Crohns disease diagnosis. These tests will also eliminate the chances of acquiring other conditions that may have similar symptoms like colitis, celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome.     

Tests for Crohns disease diagnosis include the following:

Blood Tests: Even when a complete blood count is not able to confirm an accurate diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, still it is performed usually in suspected cases. It is done as it may confirm about any kind of intestinal bleeding, an infection or any other inflammatory condition. 

Radiologic Examinations: These examinations enable the physician to have a look inside the body. Thus, it gets easier to determine whether you have Crohn’s disease or not. Various tests that come under this examination are:

Barium Enema: It is performed to envision the colon and rectum.

Enterocylsis: A barium based liquid is made to reach into small intestine with the help of a tube and x-rays are taken in this way, abnormalities in the small intestine are known if any.

CT (Computerized Tomography) Scan: It helps in identifying any abnormalities of liver, intestines or kidneys.

Ultrasound: Sound waves are used to scrutinize the pelvis organs and abdomen. 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This test proves beneficial in identifying fistulas and abscesses inside a person’s body and the body is not exposed to radiation.

Stool Tests: These tests are noninvasive in which stool samples are used to detect Crohn’s disease, bacterial infection or ulcerative colitis in a patient.  

Urine Tests: presence of bacteria, white blood cells and red blood cells in the urine of a patient is identified by these tests. Increase in bacteria and white blood cell is an indication of urinary tract infection that in turn may be complication of Crohn’s.  

Endoscopic Examinations: A detailed examination of the intestinal tract can be done with the help of these tests. These tests include Sigmoidoscopy, Colonoscopy and Upper Endoscopy.

It is a fact that there is no permanent cure for Crohn’s disease. However, the sooner Crohns disease diagnosis can help in managing its signs and symptom. Thus, you can avoid severe complications of the disease.   

By: daveclark

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