ILEITIS

chronic inflammation of one or more sections of the intestine. In its strict sense, the term refers to an inflammation of the lower, or terminal, portion of the small intestine, known as the ileum. A specific and more serious type of inflammation involving both the small and large intestines is known as regional ileitis, or Crohn's disease. In general, ileitis can affect persons of both sexes of all ages but most commonly strikes those between age 20 and 50. The symptoms are extremely variable but basically consist of a chronic or intermittent diarrhea, sometimes bloody, that is accompanied by painful abdominal cramps. Fever, weakness, weight loss, and anemia may also occur and can produce a progressive physical deterioration in patients with Crohn's disease. Obstructions or fistulas (abnormal channels) between adjacent coils of intestine may also develop. The initial acute attack of ileitis may be so sudden that it is confused with appendicitis. A patient may completely recover from an initial attack of simple ileitis, but the usual course of Crohn's disease is one of gradual progression, with periods of remission and relapse continuing for many years. Crohn's disease results in the thickening of the intestine, the narrowing of its channel, and the ulceration of its lining. Diagnosis of the disease is established through X-ray examination of the small (and perhaps large) intestine, in which the narrowing and ulceration of the intestine is evident. Simple ileitis can be caused by intestinal infections, irritations, or obstructions; faulty intestinal absorption of food; or even emotional stress. Crohn's disease may possibly be caused by a defect in the autoimmune system. Bed rest is useful in treatment, as are a few drugs, but Crohn's disease often persists until the affected part of the intestine must be surgically removed.