2. Ileitis: The Ileum’s Adversary
Ileitis confines its fury to the ileum. Unlike ileocolitis, the colon remains untouched, but that doesn’t mean the impact is any less severe.
The ileum, responsible for absorbing vitamin B12 and bile salts, plays a crucial role in digestion. When it’s inflamed, as is the case with ileitis, the repercussions can be manifold.
Sharp, intense pain in the lower right abdomen is often the first sign. This pain can sometimes be mistaken for appendicitis due to its location.
But, ileitis brings along other symptoms that set it apart. Diarrhea, while common in many Crohn’s types, might not always be present in ileitis. However, the inflammation often leads to complications like fistulas, abscesses, and even blockages in the intestine.
Every meal becomes a challenge, with post-meal cramps becoming a regular occurrence. The unpredictability of flare-ups can lead to anxiety around food, with sufferers constantly on edge. Given the ileum’s role in absorbing crucial components, its inflammation can lead to deficiencies, particularly of vitamin B12.
Treatment approaches mirror those of ileocolitis to a large extent. Dietary modifications, anti-inflammatory medications, and pain management become the cornerstones.
Regular monitoring for vitamin B12 levels might be necessary, with supplements being prescribed if deficiencies arise. In cases where complications like fistulas become recurrent and troublesome, surgery might be on the cards. (2)
