Crohn’s Disease Specialist

Crohn’s Disease Overview

The disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This includes a range of internal conditions. Some are mild, while others have a significant impact on your life. IBD can lead to:

• Abdominal pain
• Severe diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Unwanted weight loss
• Malnutrition

In mild cases, these results are merely unpleasant. However, if severe enough, they can be a danger to your overall health. Crohn’s disease usually affects the end portion of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This disease can also affect the entire thickness of the bowel wall. The only way to know if through medical tests. Dr. Tabib provides comprehensive testing to help you understand your condition.

What Are the Signs of Crohn’s Disease?

To determine if you have this condition, you should be seen by an expert. After running tests and an examination, Dr. Tabib can determine a diagnosis. However, there are some signs to watch out for at home. If you are experiencing any of these, we recommend coming in for an exam. Some of them are not only symptoms of Crohn’s disease but of other severe disorders as well.

Below are some indications of Crohn’s Disease

• Persistent diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding
• Urgent need to move bowels
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Stress
• Sensation of incomplete evacuation
• Constipation (possibly leading to bowel obstruction)

Primary symptoms sometimes associated with IBD

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a general category of internal disorders. While they each have their unique aspects, they do share some common symptoms. You may be suffering from an IBD if you experience:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Night sweats
• Loss of normal menstrual cycle

Even if you have symptoms, only testing by a professional can diagnose this disease. You will ultimately save yourself time and money by having a professional diagnosis. Often, trying to treat these conditions at home without a diagnosis has little effect. You may spend time and money only to make the condition worse.

Every step of the way, Dr. Tabib keeps his patients fully informed. You will never be in the dark about your condition or treatment options. Knowing is quite often at least half the battle.

Who Is Affected by Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease affects about 780,000 Americans. Young adults between the ages of 15-35 are more likely to be diagnosed. The underlying causes of Crohn’s disease are not well understood. But, current research suggests that several factors could be the cause. These include:

• Genetics (and hereditary causes)
• Diet
• Stress
• Environmental factors

For most of the causes, simple lifestyle changes can prove effective. However, medical treatment may still be needed.

Diagnosis

The first step in treating this condition is a professional diagnosis. This is achieved through medical techniques such as imaging and lab tests.
Imaging:

• Colonoscopy
• Upper Endoscopy
• Capsule Endoscopy
• Abdominal Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

Labs and tests:

• Blood Tests
• Stool Tests

How to Treat Crohn’s Disease

Although Crohn’s disease does not have a permanent cure, medications may slow the progression. Still, future medical research may provide a better solution. For now, there are several ways to lessen symptoms. These include:

• Diet changes
• Bowel rest
• Increasing soluble fiber

Prescriptions can also help patients, depending on their situation. Some examples include:

• Aminosalicylates
• Antibiotics
• Corticosteroids
• Immunomodulators
• Biologic drugs

These all can be crucial for the long-term control of disease progression.

Complementary lifestyle additions may be beneficial to treat symptoms. Some such supplements include the ones below.

• Curcumin
• Probiotics
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Aloe vera juice

However, be careful before trying to treat any condition with unproven cures. Supplements, herbal remedies, and traditional medicines are not researched. Nor are they regulated in the same way as pharmaceutical drugs are. Please be wary of any curative claim that a manufacturer states. Avoiding professional treatment may only worsen the problem.

Crohn’s Disease Surgery Options

Surgery cannot cure this disease, but it can help restore normal bowel function. Dr. Tabib provides a range of surgical options. During your appointment, he will let you know of any options that may help with your condition.

Recovery depends on the type of surgery performed. Before surgery, patients may experience up to 12 bowel movements a day. After a few months, most will be down to 6 to 8 bowel movements per day. Talk to Dr. Tabib about your specific needs that relate to diet and daily physical activities.