Crohn’s Disease is a painful syndrome affecting the gastrointestinal tract thought to be an autoimmune disorder.

What are the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?

Although Crohn’s Disease is a gastrointestinal disorder, symptoms can often be multifocal and systemic in nature.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Perianal discomfort
• Fecal incontinence
• Aphthous ulcers (canker sores)

Systemic Symptoms:

• Retardation of growth
• Weight loss
• Malabsorption
• Blood Disorders

• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Skin Disorders

• Erythema nodosum
• Pyoderma

Joint Disorders

• Arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis

Eye Disorders

• Uveitis
• Episcleritis (inflamed whites of the eyes)
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)

Who Is Likely To Get Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s Disease is usually diagnosed in the teens and 20’s. Average age at diagnosis is 27.  It is thought to be inherited, and Caucasians are more likely to be afflicted.

What Does Treatment for Crohn’s Disease Involve?

First line treatment is usually with a drug known as Pentasa, which is a derivative of aspirin. Mesalamine or sulfasalazine can also be effective in symptomatic treatment. Sometimes, anticholinergic antispasmodics such as belladonna alkaloids or Lomotil can alleviate symptoms. The colitis aspect of Crohn’s can be mitigated with corticosteroids, which are also helpful because of their immunosuppressive effect (given that Crohn’s is a manifestation of an overactive immune system). A direct approach to the autoimmune component of the disease is treatment with azathioprine or methotrexate to suppress the immune overactivity, or the newer biological agent Remicade (infliximab).

Severe, chronic colitis brought on by Crohn’s Disease may call for surgical management. This may involve resection of the affected parts of the colon.

What Are The Advantages Of Treatment?

• Pain and discomfort are relieved
• With regular drug treatment, subsequent attacks should be less frequent.

How Long Does It Take?

Treatment with medication is an ongoing commitment. Surgery generally takes a couple of hours.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

Medication usually needs to be administered on an ongoing basis. Surgery should be a one-time event.

When Will I See Results?

Different therapeutic approaches have varying levels of effectiveness. It may take time to see results from medication; surgery should provide some relief.

What Are My Alternatives to Treat Crohn’s Disease?

Some patients find that dietary modification is helpful, and that there are certain foods which exacerbate symptoms. Fish oil has been shown to be helpful in treating attacks.  Lactose intolerant patients should stay away from lactose. A low-residue diet may reduce stool volume.

Will I Have Pain?

Pain should be reduced by treatment.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

With surgery, you may require a couple of weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

One of our board-certified gastroenterologists will perform the procedure.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover Crohn’s Disease Treatment

Insurance should cover this condition and any approved treatments.