Reactive Lymphoid Hyperplasia (RLH):
• This refers to an overgrowth of lymphoid tissue in response to inflammation or irritation. It’s typically benign and indicates your immune system is responding to some form of irritation in the ileum (part of your small intestine).
• Severe RLH can sometimes be linked to chronic inflammatory conditions.
Differential Diagnosis – Crohn’s Disease:
• This means the biopsy findings raise suspicion of Crohn’s disease, which is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the digestive tract, including the ileum.
• Crohn’s disease often causes:
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus)
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract
• Nature of Illness:
• If it is Crohn’s disease, it’s a chronic condition, meaning it can be managed but not cured.
• Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and the disease may go through periods of remission and flare-ups.
• Seriousness:
• The presence of ulcers and severe reactive lymphoid hyperplasia suggests significant inflammation. While it’s not immediately life-threatening, untreated Crohn’s disease can lead to complications like strictures (narrowing), fistulas, or malabsorption.
• However, with proper treatment, most people with Crohn’s can lead normal lives.
Next Steps
What You Can Do Now:
• Avoid foods that worsen symptoms (e.g., spicy, greasy, or high-fiber foods).
• Stay hydrated, especially during bouts of diarrhea.
• Keep a symptom diary to track triggers or patterns.
Health Tips
Follow-Up:
• Regular follow-ups with a gastroenterologist are essential to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as needed.