Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

Differentiation between Cholecystitis and Crohn's disease.

August 13, 2011 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Uni-Arzt Freddy Feuerstein

Hello,
since emergency surgery in 05/09 I have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. After that, I have had mild stomach problems and occasional diarrhea.
Since 02/11, I have been experiencing episodes of vomiting green/yellow/fountain-like with a lot of fluid coming out/diarrhea/back pain when walking, so that I had to sit down frequently.
During this time, my body is so weakened that I no longer have allergic sneezes. (in a phase when I am feeling well, I start sneezing excessively again with dust, etc.)
Since then, I have experienced a significant weight loss of 17kg.
I had the impression that Indian food was beneficial for me. I had no symptoms for almost 3 weeks.
Now it has started again, when lying down acid comes up, lots of burping, vomiting, diarrhea light brown.
I am taking Pantoprazole and Salofalk. Are gallbladder problems also episodic and go away? I am unsure because the doctors have only focused on Crohn's disease and haven't considered any other possibilities. Therefore, my question is, what should I look out for to differentiate between the two.
(CRP values were at 11 during the severe episode)
One more additional information, in January I had no symptoms when seeing a naturopath who felt that I was too acidic and prescribed me 75 Schuessler salts and 50 drops (Meta-Fackler cure) in 1.5L of water per day. During this time, the first major episode began, so I was unable to complete this treatment as prescribed. (Drinking treatment scheduled for 31 days, approximately 20 taken)
Currently, I can only drink water and milk.
Thank you in advance!

Uni-Arzt Freddy Feuerstein

Dear Pat.,

1. Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, including theoretically the esophagus. Your symptoms partly sound like those of reflux esophagitis, a severe form of heartburn. This could be caused by 1. Crohn's disease, 2. a hiatal hernia, or 3. its own separate condition. In any case, this needs to be investigated. Have you had an endoscopy recently? You are already on conservative treatment with Pantozol (acid suppression).
2. Gallbladder issues are typically wave-like, colicky, and often occur in flare-ups. This is usually related to gallstones and their location. Gallstones would be visible on an ultrasound.
3. Your CRP levels (inflammation markers) cannot pinpoint the location of inflammation, they are very general.
4. You have a serious gastrointestinal condition, please seek primary care in conventional medicine!

5. What kind of surgery did you have, what else can you tell me about your health/age/gender? I can provide a more specific answer in a reply.

(I am stepping away briefly, but will answer your question later today)

Take care

T.C. Müller