Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s Disease Q & A

What is Crohn's Disease?

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract. The inflammation may lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malnutrition through malabsorption of nutrients.

Researchers are still investigating the cause of Crohn's disease, but believe it may be due to genetics and an immune system malfunction that causes it to attack your digestive tract leading the inflammation.

Crohn’s disease can affect your small or large intestines, but the inflammation most often occurs in the last part of your small intestines or colon.

What are the Symptoms of Crohn's Disease?

Symptoms of Crohn's disease vary and can be mild or severe. Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss and poor appetite
• Malnutrition
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Blood in your stool
• Mouth sores or drainage from your anus

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you should visit Hawaii Gastroenterology Specialists for an evaluation. There isn’t one single test to diagnose Crohn's disease, and your doctor may need to complete a battery of diagnostic tests, such as colonoscopy or capsule endoscopy, to rule out other causes of your symptoms before diagnosing Crohn's disease.

Is There a Cure for Crohn’s Disease?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for Crohn’s disease or one single best treatment that works for everyone. The dedicated physicians at Hawaii Gastroenterology Specialists work with you to develop a plan that minimizes your symptoms to keep Crohn's disease from affecting your quality of life.

Treatment to assist in reducing inflammation may include medications such as:

• Corticosteroids
• Oral 5-aminosalicylates
• Ustekinumab
• Methotrexate

Your doctor may also recommend medication to manage other symptoms such as pain or diarrhea. To prevent nutritional deficiencies, they may also recommend vitamin and mineral supplements.

Does Crohn’s Disease Require a Special Diet?

During periods of severe inflammation, your doctor at Hawaii Gastroenterology Specialists may recommend a special diet to allow your bowel to rest and heal. This may include a nutrition supplement that’s easy to digest and administered through a nasogastric tube, or a low-fiber, low-residue diet consisting of foods that require minimal digestive activity.

For expert management of Crohn's disease, call the office or schedule an appointment online.