Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract, causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. Tahmina Haq, MD, provides expert care for Crohn’s disease at Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute in Anaheim, Santa Ana, Fullerton, and Huntington Beach, California, from diagnosis to management. Call the office today or use the online booking button to schedule an appointment with the highly skilled gastroenterologist. 

What is Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the deep layers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The inflammation occurs in patches, and when it’s left untreated, it may cause ulcerations that tunnel through the tissue, leading to a fistula.

Crohn’s disease may occur in any part of the digestive tract — mouth to anus — but most often develops in the last section of the small intestine and the first part of the large intestine. 

Researchers are still investigating what causes someone to develop Crohn’s disease, but they theorize it may occur from a combination of genetic and environmental factors that trigger an immune reaction. 

When should I seek professional help for Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease symptoms are similar to many other GI disorders. You should seek professional help at Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute to discuss Crohn’s disease if you have abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. 

Other signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:

• Weight loss
• Fever
• Poor appetite
• Joint pain
• Blood in stool
• Anal drainage
• Painful skin rash
• Redness, swelling, or pain in the eyes

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary, but they usually develop slowly over time. However, they can come on suddenly. 

What tests do I need to get diagnosed with Crohn’s disease?

The gastroenterologist at Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute completes an in-depth history and physical exam to determine what type of testing you need to confirm or rule out Crohn’s disease. 

Testing might include:

• Bloodwork
• Urinalysis
• Stool test
• Imaging
• Colonoscopy
• Upper endoscopy

No single test can diagnose Crohn’s disease, and you may need a number of tests before getting a Crohn’s disease diagnosis. 

What treatments are available for managing Crohn’s disease?

Currently, there’s no cure for Crohn’s disease. Your gastroenterologist at Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute creates a plan that helps you manage the disease and symptoms. The goal of your treatment is to reduce the frequency and severity of your flare-ups.

Your Crohn’s disease management plan may include medications to reduce inflammation and the immune system reaction, such as steroids, immunosuppressant medications, and biologics. If you have severe GI damage, the gastroenterologist may recommend surgery to remove the diseased section of your GI tract.

Call Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about Crohn’s disease.