Crohn’s Disease is a type of chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that can damage the gastrointestinal and/or digestive tracts and cause severe symptoms. The disease causes an immune response where the immune system attacks the body’s naturally-occurring intestinal microbes. As a result, white blood cell counts rise, inflammation develops, and bowel injury can occur. The disease can affect any part of the GI tract and may affect all layers of the intestines.
SYMPTOMS OF CROHN’S DISEASE
There are a range of symptoms associated with Crohn’s Disease and they range from mild to severe. Not all symptoms occur in every patient and there are even times when the disease may be in remission and the patient is symptom-free. The most common symptoms of Crohn’s Disease include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal Pain/Cramping
- Blood in stools
- Reduced Appetite/Weight Loss
- Ulcers
- Fever
- Skin Disorders
- Inflammation of Liver/Bile Ducts
- Arthritis
- Malnutrition
- Fissures
- Fatigue
- Fistulas
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
The symptoms of Crohn’s Disease are similar to many other gastrointestinal conditions, making an accurate diagnosis is critical to establishing a care plan. In order to diagnose Crohn’s, our Palm Springs gastroenterologist may order:
- Colonoscopy
- Capsule Endoscopy
- Blood Tests
- CT Scan (Computerized Tomography)
Treatment will focus on controlling inflammation, which is the primary cause of most symptoms. Treatment may include:
- Anti-Inflammatories
- Immune System Suppressors
- Antibiotics
- Biologic Medications
- Anti-Diarrheals
- Laxatives
- Pain Relievers
- Iron/Calcium/Vitamin Supplements
If these treatments don’t control symptoms, surgery may be recommended to remove sections of damaged GI tract, or to repair fissures, fistulas, and intestinal abscesses.
CONTACT OASIS ADVANCED GASTROENTEROLOGY TO DIAGNOSE AND MANAGE CROHN’S DISEASE
Crohn’s Disease cannot be cured, but it can be treated and managed. It is not uncommon for patients to go through cycles of remission and flare-ups; lifestyle/diet changes may be recommended to control flare-ups.
Contact Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology in Palm Springs to schedule an examination.
Request an appointment online or call 760-699-7607.