Understanding Crohn's Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis

Crohn's disease can dramatically impact your life, causing you to worry about what to eat and whether you will experience severe signs and symptoms. You need to learn all you can about living well with Crohn's disease. Your gastroenterologist can help. The gastroenterologists at Centers for Digestive Health provide comprehensive GI services, including diagnosis, treatment, and management of Crohn's disease, in Northwest Indiana. If you are struggling with symptoms of this condition, they can help.

What You Need to Know about Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a serious medical condition affecting the digestive tract. This condition occurs when you have inflammation in your gastrointestinal system, causing unpleasant signs and symptoms like these:

• Blood in your stool
• Chronic fatigue or fever
• Weight loss or reduced appetite
• Diarrhea or abdominal cramping
• Eye irritation or mouth sores
• Inflammation of your skin
• Pain and inflammation in your joints

The exact cause is unknown. Some researchers believe the condition may be caused by an overactive immune system and genetic factors.

Patients in Northwest Indiana, with Crohn's disease symptoms need to be diagnosed and treated by a gastroenterologist. Diagnosis typically involves multiple procedures, including colonoscopies, endoscopies, and other diagnostic imaging.

If your tests show that you have Crohn's disease, you may also need testing for anemia and other nutritional deficiencies, which are a common effect of having this condition. Vitamins, supplements, and other nutritional therapy may be recommended when you have Crohn's disease. Treatment for Crohn's disease may include:

• Corticosteroid medications to reduce inflammation in your digestive system
• Medications to suppress your immune system and reduce inflammation
• Antibiotic medications to eliminate bacteria causing infection

Severe Crohn's disease may require surgery to remove inflamed or damaged tissue.

Your gastroenterologist will also encourage you to manage your diet. Avoiding processed or inflammatory foods can help lessen inflammation. A Mediterranean diet, consisting of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and whole grains, may provide relief.

Learn More About Crohn's Disease Today

To find out more about this debilitating condition, call the gastroenterologists at Centers for Digestive Health. Schedule an appointment to discuss Crohn's disease. Call (219) 922-4900 to get started with our gastroenterology team today.