Crohn's Disease Specialist

What is Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease. It’s characterized by digestive tract inflammation, severe abdominal pain, and malnutrition.

Without intervention and treatment, the inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease gets worse. Fortunately, it’s possible to reduce its uncomfortable symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What are the symptoms of Crohn’s disease?

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:

• Blood in your stool
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Cramping
• Mouth sores
• Reduced appetite
• Weight loss

Crohn’s disease affects everyone differently. For most people, the condition develops over an extended period. But symptoms can come on suddenly, too. If your symptoms don’t respond to at-home treatments like rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter medication, make an appointment at The Gastroenterology Group.

Who is at risk of developing Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease can affect anyone, but several things can increase your risk, including:

• Being younger than 30
• Having a family history of Crohn’s disease
• Being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
• Smoking cigarettes

You’re also more likely to experience Crohn’s disease if you regularly take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen.

How is Crohn’s disease diagnosed?

No one test can diagnose Crohn’s disease. Instead, your provider at The Gastroenterology Group completes a physical exam and orders blood work and a stool sample. Blood work checks for underlying problems like anemia or infection. A stool sample analyzes your fecal matter for the presence of bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

If these measures don’t provide enough information to make a diagnosis, your provider might recommend a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy allows your provider to investigate the lining of the entire colon. They can even take a biopsy (tissue sample) if needed.

How is Crohn’s disease treated?

The Gastroenterology Group treats Crohn’s disease using a combination of prescription medication and healthy lifestyle changes. They can recommend:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Immune system suppressors
• Biologics
• Antibiotics
• Anti-diarrheals
• Pain relievers
• Vitamins and supplements
• Nutrition therapy

If healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medication don’t relieve your symptoms, your provider might recommend surgery. During surgery for Crohn’s disease, your provider removes the damaged portion of your digestive tract and reconnects the healthy sections.

To explore the various available treatments for Crohn’s disease, make an appointment at The Gastroenterology Group by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.