Crohn's Disease Specialist
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Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology
Mehrdad Asgeri, MD
Gastroenterologist located in Palm Springs, CA
Crohn’s disease is a lifelong condition — but with expert management, you can live free from abdominal pain and bowel problems. At Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology, board-certified gastroenterologist Mehrdad Asgeri, MD, offers Crohn’s disease diagnosis and treatment to help you manage the disease effectively for the long term. Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology, located in Palm Springs serves Rancho Mirage, Indio, La Quinta, and Palm Desert, CA. Call the Palm Springs, California, office or click the online appointment maker to book now.
Crohn's Disease Q & A
What is Crohn's disease?
Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that can damage any part of your gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the rectum. Crohn's disease can damage all layers of tissue, potentially leading to severe and even disabling symptoms.
What causes Crohn's disease?
Crohn's disease occurs when your immune system destroys healthy intestinal microbes. These microbes produce metabolites that help you fight off inflammation, so they're very plentiful in a healthy gut.
With Crohn's disease, however, the lack of these important microbes can lead to serious inflammation and tissue damage. The reason for this immune reaction isn’t certain, but researchers believe that viruses, bacterial infections, genetics, and environmental factors could play a role.
What are the symptoms of Crohn's disease?
Crohn's disease can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stools
- Unintended weight loss
- Ulcers
- Fever
- Fistulas (abnormal connections between organs)
- Fissures (tears)
- Fatigue
- Liver or bile duct inflammation
- Joint pain
- Skin rashes
Symptoms can vary by person, with intensity ranging from mild to severe. Many people have flare-ups followed by periods of remission.
How is Crohn's disease diagnosed?
Common tests to diagnose Crohn's disease include:
- Blood tests
- Stool tests
- Colonoscopy
- Capsule endoscopy
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
Dr. Asgeri reviews your symptoms and the information gathered during your diagnostic testing to create a care plan for your Crohn's disease.
What does Crohn's disease treatment involve?
Dr. Asgeri focuses on reducing and controlling inflammation to greatly ease your symptoms. Common treatment approaches include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Immune system suppressant medication
- Biologic medications
- Antibiotic medications
- Pain relievers
- Laxatives
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Nutritional supplements, such as iron or calcium
- Dietary changes
If medication and lifestyle changes don't improve your Crohn's disease symptoms, you could need surgery. Up to 75% of Crohn's disease sufferers eventually need surgery.
Dr. Asgeri performs a variety of procedures for Crohn's disease, including fissure repair, fistula repair, abscess repair, and, for severe Crohn’s cases, removal of a damaged part of your gastrointestinal tract.
With Dr. Asgeri’s skilled guidance and support, you can manage Crohn’s disease efficiently and get back to good gut health.
Call the Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology office or click on the online appointment tool to get help for Crohn’s disease now.