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What is it?
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation anywhere along the digestive tract, most commonly in the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. It is a long-term condition with flare-ups and periods of remission. The exact cause is unknown, but it is linked to an overactive immune response, genetics, and environmental factors.
Crohn's Disease Q&A
Signs & Symptoms
Crohn’s disease can cause:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Diarrhea, sometimes with blood or mucus
- Fatigue
- Weight loss and poor appetite
- Fever
- Mouth sores
- Anal pain, fissures, or fistulas in some patients
Symptoms may come and go, with periods of worsening followed by times of improvement.
Diagnosis
At Sonoran Surgical, Dr. Aalok Sahai Dr Paul Tender help in the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease through:
- Medical history and physical exam, asking about symptoms and family history of bowel disease
- Blood tests to check for inflammation and anemia
- Stool studies to rule out infection
- Imaging such as CT scan, MRI, or small bowel studies to look for inflammation and complications
- Colonoscopy or endoscopy with biopsy to confirm diagnosis and assess disease severity
Treatment
Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, controlling symptoms, and preventing complications:
- Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, biologics, or antibiotics
- Nutritional support and dietary changes to manage symptoms and improve health
- Surgery may be needed if medications do not help or if complications develop, such as strictures, fistulas, or severe bowel damage. Surgery may involve removing a diseased section of the intestine or treating complications.
If you have ongoing digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss, contact Sonoran Surgical to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Sahai or Dr Paul Tender. Early treatment can help control Crohn’s disease and improve quality of life.