Crohn’s disease involves digestive tract inflammation, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and unwanted weight loss. At GastroCare LI in Valley Stream, New York, dedicated gastroenterologists Bradley Rieders, MD, and Brandon Rieders, MD, know how challenging Crohn’s disease symptoms can be. They’re here to help you live comfortably, so book your appointment online or call the office to schedule an evaluation now.
Crohn's disease features long-term inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Dr. Burrill B. Crohn first described the disease in 1932.
Crohn's disease can occur anywhere in your digestive tract, and there are several types of the disease based on where it occurs.
Ileocolitis, the most common kind of Crohn's disease, affects the last part of the small intestine and the first part of the large intestine.
Ileitis only affects the small intestine.
Gastroduodenal Crohn's disease occurs in the stomach and the start of the small intestine.
Jejunoileitis causes patchy inflammation within the top half of the small intestine.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two main types of inflammatory bowel disease, currently affect about 3 million Americans.
Crohn's disease often causes disruptive symptoms that make it hard to function normally. You may experience:
Your symptoms may vary with the specific type of Crohn’s disease. Some people also experience symptoms like red eyes, rashes, and joint pain.
The cause of Crohn’s disease is unclear. Current research indicates that genetics, heredity, and environment can all play a role. Multiple studies show that cigarette smoking increases the risk of Crohn's disease.
While there’s not yet a cure for Crohn's disease, treatment can help you achieve remission (freedom from symptoms) for long periods. In fact, many people with Crohn's enter remission that lasts for years with proper treatment.
At GastroCare LI, your provider understands how uncomfortable Crohn's symptoms are, so they offer individualized treatments based on your type of disease and individual needs.
Controlling your current symptoms to achieve remission is the first goal. Then, the focus moves to maintenance (remaining in remission.) You may need anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, biologics, or other types of medications as part of your Crohn's treatment.
If you experience Crohn's disease complications, like an intestinal blockage, abscess (pocket of pus), or fistula (abnormal tunnel in your intestine or between your intestine and another organ), you may need surgery.
The GastroCare LI physicians are Crohn's disease specialists who can diagnose your disease and formulate a management plan that works well for you. Call the office or click on the online scheduler to make your appointment now.