Crohn's Disease in Munster & Dyer, IN
What is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease is a complex medical condition affecting your digestive tract. The condition causes inflammation in your gastrointestinal system, resulting in painful, debilitating symptoms. Crohn’s disease needs to be treated by a gastroenterologist.
Causes of Crohn’s Disease
The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown. Possible causes of Crohn’s disease include an overactive immune system and genetic factors.
Signs and Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease can produce dramatic signs and symptoms, affecting many areas of your body. These signs and symptoms include:
- 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
Diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease
To diagnose Crohn’s disease, your gastroenterologist may recommend having a colonoscopy, endoscopy, and other diagnostic imaging.
Treatment of Crohn’s Disease
Your gastroenterologist may recommend testing for anemia and other nutritional deficiencies, which are common with Crohn’s disease. To help you maintain your overall health, your gastroenterologist may recommend vitamins, supplements, and other nutritional therapies. To treat Crohn’s disease and reduce your symptoms, your gastroenterologist may recommend:
- Corticosteroid medications to reduce inflammation in your digestive system
- Medications to suppress your immune system and reduce inflammation
- Antibiotic medications to eliminate bacteria-causing infections
For severe cases of Crohn’s disease, your gastroenterologist may recommend surgery to reduce your symptoms. Your doctor can discuss surgical options with you, the risks and benefits of surgery, and make recommendations about your treatment.
Diet and Crohn’s Disease
A proper diet is extremely important in managing Crohn’s disease. It’s vital to avoid processed foods and foods that can trigger inflammation. A Mediterranean diet is best, consisting of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and whole grains.
