Crohn’s Disease Specialist

What is Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation and swelling that might affect any part of your gastrointestinal tract, from your mouth to your anus.

The inflammation and swelling caused by Crohn’s disease usually only affects small isolated areas. However, the inflammation goes into the deep layers of your gastrointestinal tissue, causing ulcerations that might tunnel through, creating a fistula.

There’s no known cause of Crohn’s disease, but there are factors that may increase your risk of developing the IBD, such as genetics or a history of smoking. 

What are the symptoms of Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease symptoms vary depending on the location of the inflammation. Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Fatigue

People with Crohn’s disease go through periods where their symptoms are severe (flare-up) and periods where they have mild complaints or none at all (remission). Unfortunately, there’s no clear way to predict when flare-ups occur, but remissions can last weeks or even years.

There’s no cure for Crohn’s disease, but the team at Gastroenterology Associates of Fredericksburg can help you manage your symptoms. 

What tests diagnose Crohn’s disease?

There are several tests the Gastroenterology Associates of Fredericksburg team may perform to diagnose Crohn’s disease. Testing might include a blood and stool test, followed by endoscopic procedures.

Gastroenterology Associates of Fredericksburg is a state-of-the-art gastroenterology practice with its own endoscopy center. They use the most advanced scopes and technology when performing a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy to diagnose Crohn’s disease. 

The team may also have you do a capsule endoscopy if the results of your colonoscopy or upper endoscopy were inconclusive.

What are the treatments for Crohn’s disease?

The Gastroenterology Associates of Fredericksburg team customizes your Crohn’s disease treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms and the frequency of your flare-ups. 

Treatment may include:

• Antibiotics
• Antidiarrheal medication
• Bowel rest — no eating or drinking, so your tissue can heal
• Corticosteroids
• Immunomodulators

A group of drugs called immunomodulators are a new treatment for Crohn’s disease. These medications reduce inflammation by modifying how your immune system reacts. Gastroenterology Associates of Fredericksburg provides them at their on-site infusion suite.

For high-quality care from a skilled team, call Gastroenterology Associates of Fredericksburg or schedule an appointment online today.