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Worried About Developing Crohns Fistulas?
Crohn’s disease can have many symptoms and complications regardless of a person’s age, ethnicity or gender. Given that there are different areas of the digestive track where Crohn’s can attack, not everyone who suffers from Crohn’s will experience the same complications of the disease. For instance, it is not uncommon for someone with a serious case of Crohn’s to develop a fistula.
What is a fistula? It is a small tunnel that unnaturally connects two organs or body cavities (IE. the bladder to the rectum) or an organ to the skin (IE. the outside of the body to the rectum). All fistulas, regardless of where they occur, will eventually break through to an organ, body cavity or the surface of the skin. It is estimated that one third (30%) of people infected with Crohn’s disease develop fistulas.
Fistulas can form from ulcers and from abscesses; fistulas can also result in an abscess. An abscess can develop internally or externally on the body. An abscess is usually a pocket that fills with pus and has a difficult time healing due to the fact that it is often constantly being filled with body fluids such as urine and feces.
An abscess that forms on the skin may closely resemble a boil and will appear swollen and have redness in the surrounding area. An abscess is also painful and warm to the touch. In the case of Crohn’s disease, abscesses usually form around the anus, genitals or abdomen. Eventually it will form pus and continue to grow until it bursts
Abscesses that occur inside the body usually form within an organ, or in a space between two organs. An internal abscess usually causes a person to feel ill, especially if the abscess breaks. When an abscess is diagnosed, it is often treated with antibiotics, or if it is on the skin it may be lanced (the abscesses is opened so the pus can drain out and allow it to heal).
There are 4 different types of fistulas:
1. Enterocutaneous – Fistula that connects the stomach to the skin
2. Enteroenteric (Enterocolic) – Fistula that affects the small or large intestine
3. Enterovaginal – Fistula that connects the vagina to another body cavity or organ.
4. Enterovesicular – Fistula that connects the bladder to another body cavity or organ.
Fistulas can create many complications aside from the formation of an abscess in the affected region. For instance, a fistula related to the bladder can result in constant urinary tract infections.
If you are a Crohn’s sufferer, and you suspect you may have a fistula or would like to know what to look for, the following are common symptoms associated with the condition:
• Pain, itching and tenderness in the affected area
• Pus drainage
• Discharge that has a foul odor
• Fever
• Generally not feeling well
As for any condition, the symptoms one experiences may vary. However, most symptoms usually relate back to the region where the fistula is located.
A fistula is diagnosed by a professional through special examinations such as Barium enema, colonoscopy, and a fistulogram. Once diagnosed, treatment can then be prescribed for the fistula. Medical treatments that are often prescribed for this condition include antibiotics and immunosuppresants. If the fistulas are not responsive to medical treatment, surgery may be required.
There isn’t much a person can do to prevent a fistula from forming. Remember, there is no cure for Crohn’s disease. All you can do is find out what medical treatments provide you with the best chance of putting the disease in remission.
For more information about controlling and treating Crohn’s Disease symptoms take a look at Breakthrough Crohn’s Disease Guide.
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