Crohn’s Disease Treatment Specialist Q&A

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that usually occurs in your small intestine and colon, although it can affect any part of your gastrointestinal tract.

Crohn’s disease usually develops gradually and causes symptoms, including:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping
• Bloody stools
• Fatigue
• Appetite loss
• Weight loss
• Frequent need for bowel movements
• Feeling like you haven’t emptied your bowel entirely

Crohn’s disease symptoms vary between patients and change over time. When left untreated, your symptoms become progressively worse and can lead to severe flare-ups and complications. 

Medical researchers haven’t identified a specific cause of Crohn’s disease. However, many factors contribute to your risk of developing the condition. For example, if you have an autoimmune disease or a family history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), your risk of developing Crohn’s disease increases.

The Board-Certified Gastroenterologist at Digestive Disease Care offers comprehensive exams and testing to diagnose Crohn’s disease. They begin by reviewing your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. Some of the standard tests for Crohn’s disease include blood tests, stool samples, and endoscopy.

Digestive Disease Care offers in-office capsule endoscopy. During this procedure, you swallow a capsule that includes a tiny camera. It records images as it passes through your digestive system and transmits them to a data recorder. Your doctor then studies the images to look for signs of Crohn’s disease or other problems that could be causing your symptoms.

While there isn’t a cure for Crohn’s disease, the team at Digestive Disease Care provides customized treatment plans to manage your condition, reduce your symptoms, and restore your quality of life. 

Depending on your condition, your doctor might prescribe medication, including anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators, and antibiotics, to reduce the inflammation in your bowel and relieve your symptoms. 

Your doctor can also provide advice on dietary adjustments to reduce your risk of symptom flare-ups. They can also help you create meal plans that provide the nutrients you need without irritating your digestive tract. 

In some cases, surgery to remove the damaged parts of your digestive tract is necessary to treat Crohn’s disease. 

If you’re concerned about Crohn’s disease or have disruptive gastrointestinal symptoms, call Digestive Disease Care or make an appointment online today. We have convenient locations to serve you in Jamaica NY, Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Massapequa NY and BEYOND.