Crohn's Disease in Texas
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Find a ProviderWhat is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is section of a larger group of disease referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This disease is the cause of uncomfortable inflammation of the digestive tract. The disease most commonly involves the small intestine as well as colon, however, it could impact any area of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from the anus to the mouth. Crohn’s disease is not the same as the alternate type of IBD referred to as ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s disease can affect the entirety of the intestinal wall and sometimes goes even further into deeper portions of the involved intestinal anatomy. This gastrointestinal disease is often excessively uncomfortable and can possibly lead to more serious complications. If you or someone you love have to deal with the implications of Crohn’s disease, we implore you to request a consultation at a Texas Digestive Disease Consultants location near you. Our board-certified providers in Texas are committed to assisting individuals better their quality of life with worthwhile treatment regimens.
What are some causes of Crohn's disease?
The specific source of Crohn’s disease is presently unknown. There are, however, a few factors that appear to influence the likeliness of being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and its difficulties.
- Genetics: One may inherit genes from a parent/or parents which make you more likely chance to develop Crohn’s disease. As many as 20 percent of people with Crohn’s disease are related to someone who also has the disease or a different inflammatory bowel disease. It is most usually seen in people somewhere between the ages of 20 – 30.
- Immune system: It is possible that internal bacteria or viruses might initiate Crohn’s disease. When our body initiates the immune system to engage a bacteria or virus, an abnormal immune response can attack the cells found with the digestive tract as well. As a result, parts of the small intestine as well as the colon can become swollen.
Expert care for Crohn's disease
At Texas Digestive Disease Consultants, we understand the impact Crohn’s disease can have on your overall health and daily life. Our board-certified GI specialists are masters at treating GI diseases like Crohn’s disease, and we are committed to offering personalized, expert care to every one of our patients. To connect with a provider in Texas who treats Crohn’s disease, we encourage you to request a consultation at your nearest TDDC location today.
What are the common symptoms of Crohn’s disease?
The majority of symptoms resulting from Crohn’s disease manifest gradually and can range from mild to severe. Crohn’s disease symptoms may be:
- Mouth sores
- Below average development in children
- Rectal bleeding
- Diarrhea
- Drainage or pain around or near the anus
- Pain in the abdomen
- Constipation
- Fever
- Disruption of the usual menstrual cycle
- Sudden weight loss
- Blood in the stool
- Stomach cramps
You should contact Texas Digestive Disease Consultants right away if you notice persistent changes in your bowel habits, or if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent diarrhea
- Fever that lasts more than a day
- Severe and/or persistent abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bloody stool
How is Crohn’s disease typically treated?
There is, at present, no known cure for Crohn’s disease, and treatment can vary from person to person. The main objectives of Crohn’s disease treatments are to control the swelling that triggers symptoms, and then reach and maintain remission. In the best cases, the disease will go into long-term remission in a person who receives proper care. Crohn’s disease may be treated with any one of or a combination of the following treatment options.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics can help kill bacteria that trigger the abnormal immune system response, which is to blame for inflammation. These are not a mainstay of therapy but may be used in collaboration with other therapies.
Anti-inflammatory medications: Corticosteroids or steroids might be used to handle swelling while selecting a long-term treatment plan. Corticosteroids help reduce swelling in the body and can also be used in addition to immune system suppressants.
Long-term anti-inflammatory therapies: These medications tackle the body’s unusual immune reaction to bacteria and viruses. Some of the immunosuppressant drugs a Texas Digestive Disease Consultants gastroenterologist might prescribe include:
- Infliximab
- Adalimumab
- Azathioprine
- Certolizumab
- Methotrexate
- Natalizumab
- Ustekinumab
- Vedolizumab
Diet: Your gastroenterologist could recommend special nutritional protocols to alleviate symptoms and assist in the induction of remission.
Surgery: Occasionally, patients who have Crohn’s disease might require surgery to correct blockages, fistulas, infection, or bleeding if medication is not helping. Others may require surgery to extract the diseased section of the intestine.
Medications that treat the symptoms: Certain supplements and medications may also be recommended to help manage Crohn’s disease symptoms. These could include:
- Vitamin D and calcium supplements
- Vitamin B-12 shots
- Iron supplements
- Anti-diarrheals
Medical care is available for Crohn's disease in Texas. Contact Texas Digestive Disease Consultants today to learn more about possible treatment options.
Does Crohn’s disease cause health complications?
Intestinal blockage has been known to manifest in individuals with Crohn’s disease in Texas. A blockage forms when the bowel wall swells or thickens from inflammation and scar tissue. In addition, ulcers have been known to be the cause of tunnels that could form through swollen portions of the intestine to surrounding intestinal tissue or possibly other organs.
If you have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, you might lack sufficient levels of protein, vitamins, or calories in your diet. This may be due to the fact that you may be unable to absorb nutrients from your food, you experience a nauseated stomach keeping you from consuming a sufficient amount of food, or you could be losing protein through the intestine.
Additional complications of Crohn’s disease may include:
- Arthritis
- Kidney stones
- Skin problems
- Gallstones
- Swelling of the eyes or mouth
Is Crohn's disease fatal?
Crohn’s disease is not in and of itself a fatal disease. However, if left unmanaged and untreated, over time, a person with Crohn’s disease may develop health problems that might be deadly. Texas Digestive Disease Consultants may provide information on several clinical trials and treatment programs to help control the symptoms and enhance the lives of those dealing with Crohn’s disease.
Crohn's Disease FAQs
How is Crohn’s disease diagnosed?
Confirming a Crohn's disease diagnosis is typically achieved through a combination of tests. Our Texas Digestive Disease Consultants providers may start by learning about your medical history, the symptoms you are experiencing, and any family history of Crohn’s or IBD. After providing a physical exam, they may order endoscopic procedures (such as a colonoscopy and an EGD) and lab testing of stool and blood samples. CT scans, MRIs, and additional diagnostic imaging might also be conducted to diagnose Crohn’s disease.
Is Crohn’s disease a progressive condition?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, often lifelong medical condition that can differ from individual to individual. Even though its symptoms can range from slight to severe, its severity can also vary. Crohn’s disease can worsen over time, and flares may ensue.
Is Crohn’s disease a curable condition?
Presently, there is no cure for Crohn’s disease. For some people, the disorder may go into remission when it is inactive. Getting treatment for Crohn's disease and taking measures to decrease inflammation may help control the condition and reduce its symptoms.
Do dietary factors have an impact on Crohn’s disease?
Dietary factors do not seem to cause Crohn’s disease. Though there might be certain foods that initiate Crohn’s flares or certain types of effects, these can range from patient to patient. Speak with your GI specialist about any possible diet modifications you might adopt to help relieve the effects of Crohn's disease.
Reviews
Dr. Holt his nurse, and MA are wonderful. Both my parents and my husband also see him. My father has a rare form of Crohn's disease in which Dr. Holt was successful in diagnosing and has been successful in managing where it took 30 years and many doctors before him to misdiagnosed and treat incorrectly. After we saw how well Dr. Holt did with treating my father and the kindness he showed towards him is when my mom, my husband, and I also became patients. His staff is also great they too are kind and remember their patients. They go out of their way to help their patients.
Dr. Branstetter is the most amazing G.I. Dr I have ever had for my Crohn's Disease. She has always understood my feelings and lets me ramble non stop when I am feeling anxious and worried. She and her team have always had the best bedside manner and never make me feel like just another number. They are a caring and humble team who truly care about my concerns and needs. If it wasn't for Dr. Branstetter and her team, I would not be in remission with my disease. I also love how they always reach out to me and answer my messages so quickly. I feel like they are longtime friends/family.
Dr. Moster is one of the best GI doctors. I have been seeing her for 15 years and hopefully won't have to change doctors. I recommend her to anyone who is looking for the best GI doctor. She's very professional and so is the staff. She does everything possible to find out what's wrong and sends a report to your Dr. She doesn't leave your pcp out of the loop like most doctors. She's informative on other treatments for crohns disease. She has taken me from the pills and not being able to take them to taking Humira injections. She's the one that found the Crohns when another doctor dismissed me as the pain was nothing. She did my 1st endoscopy and waited until i was awake and talked to me and my mom about the results. Another one i had she did with my colon rectal surgeon. After the Humira stopped working we talked about the other option. She does explain everything to you. I had to change GI Dr's when my insurance changed and i didn't like that Dr. I couldn't wait to go back to her.
Dr. Ramesh is awesome!! He truly cares about his patients. I've had Crohns Disease for 28 years and he is the best Gastroenterologist I've ever had. HIGHLY recommend!!
I am a 63 year old patient of Dr Pathikondas. I was diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus and Crohn's disease in my twenties. I have been treated by many gastrointerologists over the last forty years and Dr. Pathikonda is at the top of my list. He keeps me very informed and calm. He is also a very good listener and has an amazing office staff.
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