Accutane Lawsuit 2011

One of the Accutane long term side effects is Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory condition of the digestive tract. If you suffer from Accutane inflammatory bowel disease problems please contact us for the latest Accutane lawsuit 2011 news and information. While the inflammation can potentially be found anywhere throughout the tract – from the mouth to the anus – it typically presents in the last part of the small intestine. Common symptoms include persistent diarrhea, pain in the abdomen, bloody stools, and nausea. Unfortunately, these signs are nonspecific, and thus tests are needed to form a diagnosis.

Doctors will order multiple studies to first rule out conditions that are unrelated to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Once IBD has been confirmed, attention turns to determining whether you are suffering from Accutane Crohn’s disease symptoms or ulcerative colitis. Both are forms of IBD. Results from the following tests are used to help distinguish between them.

Complete Blood Cell Count

This is usually the first step toward diagnosing Accutane side effects caused by Crohn’s disease. A complete blood cell (CBC) count will measure the level of both white and red blood cells. A low red blood cell count suggests bleeding; a high white blood cell count suggests inflamed tissue. While these results are helpful in narrowing down the cause of your symptoms, they are inconclusive.

Fecal Occult Blood Test

This study is used to detect traces of blood in your stools. Results can reveal the location in the digestive tract from which the blood originates. Because of this, doctors can use a fecal occult blood test to rule out – or help diagnose – stomach cancer, esophagitis, hemorrhoids, and other conditions. Negative results rule these disorders out while positive results call for further testing.

Barium Enema

A barium enema is done to help your physician visualize the inside lining of your large intestine – including the rectum and colon – and last section of your small intestine. A contrast material (i.e. barium sulfate) is introduced into the rectum via an enema. The material covers the wall of the bowel, and displays as white on x-rays images. Dark areas suggest the presence of abnormalities, such as tumors or polyps.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is done to look for signs that imply a variety of conditions. It can be used to detect colon cancer, tissue inflammation, and other abnormalities. A thin instrument called a colonoscope is introduced through the anus, and advanced toward the small intestine. It is equipped with a camera that transmits real-time images to a monitor that is watched by your doctor. If granulomas are present, they can be used to diagnose Crohn’s disease; they do not appear in cases of ulcerative colitis. A biopsy may also be taken for further study.

Upper Gastrointestinal Series

An upper GI series is a test that uses x-rays to display the small intestine, esophagus, and stomach. Prior to taking the x-rays, your doctor will require you to drink several ounces of a barium solution. The x-rays are taken as the barium flows through the targeted portions of your gastrointestinal tract.

Upper Endoscopy

This test is used to study the same areas of the digestive tract as an upper gastrointestinal series. An endoscope (similar to a colonoscope) is introduced via the mouth, and guided through the esophagus, stomach, and the duodenum (first portion of the small intestine). Your doctor will be able to inspect the tissue of these areas, and note ulcers and inflammation. He or she may also take a biopsy.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy is performed to examine the rectum and last portion of your large intestine. This is accomplished with an instrument called a sigmoidoscope (it, too, is similar to a colonoscope). Your doctor will be able to inspect the inside of your colon via a camera affixed to the tip of the instrument. Polyps, tumors, and ulcers can be visualized easily.

Accutane Lawsuit
Results from the tests above are sometimes combined with images from computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to form a conclusive diagnosis. Once Accutane side effects involving Crohn’s disease has been confirmed, your doctor can suggest the most appropriate treatment path given your circumstances. If you have suffered from chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, or other serious Accutane side effects, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. Contact an experienced Accutane lawsuit lawyer to discuss your legal options.