Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Crohn’s disease is suspected in patients with fever, abdominal pain and tenderness, diarrhea with or without bleeding, and anal diseases. Crohn’s disease can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are nonspecific.

The following tests may help in the diagnosis:

§  Stool tests

§  Blood tests

§  Biopsy

§  Sigmoidoscopy – a short, flexible telescope (sigmoidoscope) is used to investigate the lower bowel

§  Colonoscopy – a long, flexible telescope (colonoscope) is used to investigate the colon

§  Endoscopy – this can be used if the patient has symptoms in the upper part of his/her gut. A long, thin, flexible telescope (endoscope) goes down through the esophagus into the stomach

§  Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

§  Barium enema X-ray – this involves placing a fluid containing barium (a substance which shows up on X-rays) into the bowel via the rectum. X-ray pictures of the abdomen then show the inside of the bowel more clearly. Barium appears white on X-rays

§  Barium contrast studies – for the small intestine a barium meal will be used – the patient will drink barium, a chalky solution that coats the lining of the small intestine, before x rays are taken. The barium appears white on X-rays. The doctor can then see which part of the gut is affected

§  Ultrasound, CT and MRI scans

§  video capsule endoscopy

Ayurveda management

Ayurveda, the holistic science of India, places a lot of emphasis of the care of the digestive system. Ayurvedic concepts particularly focus on the significance of healthy digestive system with regard to the overall balanced functioning and healthiness of the human body and mind. Healthy digestion ensures that the nutrients taken in through food are able to produce healthy tissues (Saptha Dhathus). When digestion is weak, the tissues of your body – including muscle, blood, bone and nerves – become weak and susceptible to disease.

According to Ayurveda, Crohn’s can be compared to ‘Grahani’ disease. Grahani in Ayurveda, is actually an anatomical term to describe small intestines (specifically Ileum and jejunam). Any vitiation or inflammation to this particular part by imbalanced Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) can cause a wide variety of symptom similar to that of Crohn’s disease, anywhere across the digestive system. Degree and nature of symptoms may vary as per the doshic predominance & involvement.

As per Ayurveda, primary causes of Grahani disease are Mandagi (poor appetite and poor digestion), irregular, improper, irrelevant or incompatible diet habits and junk food. Non-following of the healthy diet habits (Pathya) in certain digestive disorders, especially the conditions of post diarrhea and irritable bowels, are also one of the important causes of this disease.

At CHARAKA, we are providing very effective treatment for Crohn’s disease based on the classical principle of Ayurveda and our research. Treatment involves internal research medicines, strict diet regime and life style modifications. In more severe and chronic cases, Panchakarma therapy is selectively done along with these.

Usually results are very good with Ayurvedic line of treatment. Early cases tend to respond quickly than chronic. If patient can stick to all the guidelines as advised, even complete cure can also be achieved.