Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease associated with abdominal pain, stomach cramping, and other symptoms. It is a chronic condition with no cure, but various treatments are available for keeping symptoms under control. The experienced gastroenterologists at Riverdale Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases in Bronx, NY, diagnose and treat Crohn’s disease. They can develop an individualized treatment plan to help you manage your specific symptoms and feel your best.
SYMPTOMS OF CROHN’S DISEASE
Crohn’s disease is associated with inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which extends from the mouth all the way to the anus. Any portion of the GI tract can become inflamed with Crohn’s, but the small intestine is affected most often. Patients with Crohn’s disease can experience several gastrointestinal symptoms, including:
- Stomach cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Chronic diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fever
The symptoms of Crohn’s can range from fairly mild to extremely severe. When symptoms are severe, they can be debilitating and prevent someone from carrying out their normal daily routine due to extensive pain and discomfort. However, patients can also go for several months without experiencing any major symptoms. Yet, symptoms can flare up again down the road.
TREATMENTS FOR CROHN’S DISEASE
Diagnosing Crohn’s can involve various tests, such as a colonoscopy. Once the condition is formally diagnosed, a customized treatment plan can be developed. There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but the symptoms can be managed with treatment. The right approach to managing your Crohn’s disease can reduce or prevent flare-ups and help you feel your best. An individualized treatment plan developed by one of the skilled gastroenterologists at our office in Bronx, NY, might include any of the following:
- Nutritional changes and dietary modifications to avoid foods that aggravate symptoms
- Medications for reducing inflammation and minimizing abdominal pain, cramping, and other symptoms
- Combination therapy with biologics or immunomodulator medications to increase treatment effectiveness
- Surgery to correct fistulas or remove intestinal obstructions and diseased tissue
Crohn’s disease cannot be cured and can cause extensive discomfort when symptoms flare up. Fortunately, several highly effective treatment approaches are available for helping you manage and minimize symptoms. For help managing your Crohn’s, schedule an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists by calling Riverdale Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases in Bronx, NY, at (718) 543-3636.
