Find out more about this common bowel disease and its symptoms.
Have you, or a member of your family, recently been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease? If so, then you may be wondering more about this gastrointestinal condition, what causes it and how it’s managed. Our Wausau, WI, gastroenterologists are here to shed a little light on this condition that affects hundreds of thousands of Americans.
What is Crohn’s disease?
This condition causes inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract, which can result in everything from bloody stools to abdominal pain to diarrhea. This condition can even cause inflammation within other areas of the body including the eyes, joints and skin.
What causes this condition?
Unfortunately, the cause of Crohn’s disease is still not fully understood. Some research believes that it could be due to an autoimmune disease, which causes the immune system to attack important gut bacteria, resulting in inflammation.
What are the symptoms?
Those with Crohn’s disease may find that symptoms come and go. You may have weeks or months of remission marked with sudden onset of flare-ups. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:
- Abdominal pain
- Chronic diarrhea
- Bloody diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexpected weight loss
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Anemia
Gastrointestinal inflammation can be severe enough to cause digestive tract blockages or perforation, severe pain or fever. These are serious and potentially life-threatening medical conditions and requires immediate medical attention.
How is this type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treated?
While there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, this condition can be managed with medications and lifestyle modifications. The type of medication our gastroenterologists will prescribe depends upon the severity and location of the inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract. Certain medications such as anti-inflammatories (e.g. corticosteroids), immune-modulators and antibiotics can help manage symptoms, reduce flare-ups and speed up remission.
Have questions about Crohn’s disease? Are you noticing any symptoms that have you concerned? If so, then it’s time you called GI Associates & GI Associates Endoscopy Center in Wausau, Stevens Point, Antigo, Rhinelander, Woodruff and Eagle River, WI, to help you determine whether you may have this inflammatory bowel disease or if it’s something else. Call 877-442-7762 today to schedule an appointment.