Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects more than 500,000 people in the United States. Crohn’s disease is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing medical care and management. Long Island Gastroenterology Specialists in North Wantagh, and South Wantagh, New York, provides comprehensive care for their patients with Crohn’s disease. To schedule a Crohn’s disease consultation, call or book an appointment online today.
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation and ulcerations that may affect any part of the digestive tract (from the mouth to the anus), but most often occurs in the last section of the small intestine — the ileum.
The inflammation with Crohn’s disease affects the deeper layers of the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis is another type of IBD that affects only the innermost lining of the large intestine.
Researchers are still investigating what causes someone to develop Crohn’s disease, but they theorize there’s a genetic link since it tends to run in families. They also believe the inflammation occurs because the immune system mistakenly attacks the intestinal tissue.
Because Crohn’s disease affects different parts of the digestive tract, Long Island Gastroenterology Specialists classifies the disease based on the part, or parts, of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) it affects.
Types of Crohn’s disease include:
Ileocolitis is a type of Crohn’s disease that causes inflammation in the ileum and large intestine.
Ileitis means the inflammation occurs only in the ileum.
With gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease, the inflammation occurs in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine — the duodenum.
Jejunoileitis causes patchy areas of inflammation in the jejunum, the middle section of the small intestine.
Long Island Gastroenterology Specialists diagnoses Crohn’s disease after a comprehensive history and physical and completion of diagnostic tests. Testing might include:
They also ask detailed questions about your symptoms, which helps determine the severity of the disease. Though symptoms vary widely, many people with Crohn’s disease have abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and rectal bleeding.
If you have any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment at Long Island Gastroenterology Specialists.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory digestive condition. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and reducing the frequency of symptom flare-ups.
Treatment for Crohn’s disease at Long Island Gastroenterology Specialists might include:
If medical interventions fail to improve your symptoms, your gastroenterologist at Long Island Gastroenterology Specialists may talk to you about surgery to remove the diseased portion of your digestive tract.
The providers at Long Island Gastroenterology Specialists work as a team so you get the best possible outcomes.
To find out more about Crohn’s disease options for treating it, call Long Island Gastroenterology Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.