Chron's Disease
By Paul Holicek
What is it?
Chron's disease is a ediopathic inflamatory bowel disorder. This disease can occur anywhere from the mouth to the rectum, 30 - 45% of cases involve the small intestine only, while 40% is the colon itself. Severe cases can involve any portion of the GI track, which can cause a variety of complications. (see list below) As the inflamation begins, it damages the innermost layer of tissue, the mucosa. Ganulomas then form an break down the mucosal and submucosal layers. This eventually causes the intestinal wall to become rubbery. Sometimes there can be a tear, and these tears may extend to the blood vessels in the submucosal layer, in which small bleeds result.
What does it look like?
Symptoms
- Diarrhea
- GI Bleeding
- Weight Loss
- Intermittent Abdominal Cramping/Pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
Treatment
Prehospital Treatment May Include:
- Palliative
- Depends on the physioloical status
- Prevent Aspiration of Vomit
- If hemorrage symptoms present, high-flow, high-concentrated oxygen
- IV with fluid resuscitaiton
- Antiemetics and anitspasmodic
Complications
- Intestinal abscesses
- Perianal abscesses
- Fistulas
- Higher risk of cancer.
- Bowel Obstruction
- Free Perforation
- Hemorrhage
Sources
- Paramedic Care Pg. 366-367
- Wikipedia.com