Crohn’s disease is a disease marked by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, usually in the small intestine and colon. Yet it can affect any part of the GI tract’s hollow muscular pathway, starting where food enters through the mouth, into the esophagus, then the stomach, intestines and, finally, the rectum and anus.
The Fight Against Crohn’s
Up to 780,000 Americans have Crohn’s disease, with symptoms varying wildly, from mild to debilitating to life-threatening. The Digestive Health Center is committed to both the treatment of Crohn’s and finding a cure for this disease. Two of our doctors, for instance, are on the medical advisory committee of the Colitis Foundation of America.
Our doctors also participate in clinical studies that researchers hope will someday lead to a cure for Crohn’s. Meanwhile, the Digestive Health Center provides the latest present-day care such as infusion centers where patients receive medications to block proteins that contribute to inflammation.
With more people diagnosed with Crohn’s disease each year, it’s important to know that each patient needs a specialized treatment plan developed by your doctor and our team of radiologists, surgeons and pathologists.
Common Symptoms
These symptoms rarely develop suddenly and sometimes are mistakenly attributed to other conditions.
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stool
- Abdominal cramps, pain
- Constipation
- A feeling of incomplete bowel movement
- Urgency to move bowels
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Types of Crohn’s Disease
The type of Crohn’s reflects the area of your gastrointestinal tract affected by the disease.
Ileocolitis: The small intestine (terminal ileium) and the colon (large intestine) Symptoms can include diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain or discomfort, weight loss.
Ileitis: The ileum, the last and longest part of the small intestine. Symptoms are similar to ileocolitis.
Gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease: The stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Jejunoileitis: Upper half of the small intestine (jejunum). Symptoms abdominal pain and cramping after eating, diarrhea.
Crohn’s colitis: The colon. Symptoms can include diarrhea and rectal bleeding; fistulas, ulcers, abscesses and other abnormalities around the anus.
Crohn’s Disease Screenings & Tests/ Crohn’s Disease Treatments
- Colonoscopy
- Endoscopy/Capsule Endoscopy
- Spiral enteroscopy
- Blood tests
- Stool test
- Imaging tests: CT scan, MRI
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Biologics: Drugs that block proteins
- Dietary changes: Recommendations from a registered dietitian
Surgery for Crohn’s Disease
Most people with Crohn’s require surgery at some point, according to estimates by the the Crohn's’ & Colitis Foundation.
Colon/bowel resection: Removal of the colon and any part of the bowel damaged by Crohn’s-related inflammation.
Strictureplasty: A narrowed part of the intestine, called a stricture, is widened by a series of cuts that ultimately shortens and widens the affected area.
Proctocolectomy: Removal of the colon and rectum
Ileostomy: A opening is created to connect the ileum, the lower part of the small intestine, through the abdomen. It’s possible you will use a pouch, worn externally, for your digested food.
Colostomy: An opening is created for the colon through the abdomen. When the edges of the colon are attached to the skin at the abdominal wall, it creates an opening called a stoma. Feces is collected in a pouch attached to the stoma.
Ileocecectomy: Removal of the ileum and part of the colon.