Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that stems from inflammation of the digestive system. It can affect any part of the GI tract. It is a condition that has no cure, but the comprehensive care offered by our gastroenterologists and surgeon results in symptom relief and the ability to lead an active, full life.
Our team is committed to improving treatment for this disease, with some of our specialists joining national research efforts and others serving on the medical advisory committee of the Colitis Foundation of America. Your treatment team may consist of gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, registered dietitians and behavioral health specialists. Your gastroenterologist will lead the treatment team and will discuss the different medication options that are best for you to manage your Crohn’s disease. Surgeons can treat complications of Crohn’s disease and work hand in hand with the GI team.
Types of Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease can affect any part of your gastrointestinal tract:
- Ileitis/jejunitis: inflammation in part of the small intestine
- Ileocolitis: inflammation in the last part of the small intestine and the first part of the colon
- Colitis: inflammation in the colon
- Perianal disease: inflammation, fistulas, and abscesses by the anus
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary but can include:
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stool
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Perianal abscess
However, many Crohn’s symptoms apply to other diseases as well. To diagnose your condition, we may order the following:
- Colonoscopy: Using an endoscope inserted in the rectum, we examine the inside of the colon and end of the small bowel to look for any abnormalities and take biopsies when needed
- Endoscopy: An endoscope is inserted through the mouth to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small bowel to look for any abnormalities and take biopsies when needed
- Capsule endoscopy: With a capsule endoscopy, you swallow a pill that takes images of the small intestine as it passes through your system
- Blood tests
- Stool tests
- CT scan or MRI
Treatment Options
Each person’s experience with Crohn’s is different so we create treatment plans that address your specific needs. This can include:
- Medication. There are a multitude of medications used to treat Crohn’s disease. These are typically the first line and mainstay treatment for Crohn’s disease. Medications include:
- Steroids
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Immunomodulators
- Small molecule therapies
- Biologics
- Antibiotics
- Surgery. Up to two-thirds of people with Crohn’s eventually need some form of surgery. While surgery does not cure Crohn’s disease, it may be needed to remove diseased parts of your intestine that have not responded to medication. Our surgeons are often able offer a minimally invasive approach to abdominal surgery (laparoscopic or robotic). The type of surgery required is dependent on your individual disease and response to medications. Your surgeon will go over in detail the location of your disease and surgical options to help with your symptoms.
Living with the Condition
Beyond gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons, your care team includes people like our nurse navigators, nutritionists and behavioral health specialists who offer compassionate guidance and support as you live your life with Crohn’s disease.
They can recommend dietary changes that help ease symptoms, supplements to boost your nutritional intake or mind-body therapies like yoga or meditation that can help you cope with the impact of the disease on your day-to-day life.
We are all here to help you thrive with a Crohn’s diagnosis.