Crohn's Disease in Baton Rouge, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is one of multiple conditions that can occur with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn's disease is the painful irritation of the digestive tract. The condition generally includes the small bowel and colon, but it could possibly impact any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract anywhere from the anus to the mouth. Crohn’s disease is not the same as the alternate type of IBD known as ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s disease can affect the whole of the intestinal wall and sometimes extends into even deeper layers of the involved intestinal anatomy. This GI affliction can be very uncomfortable and in many cases can lead to even more grave complications. If you, or a loved one, deal with the challenges of Crohn’s disease, we strongly suggest you consult with Gastroenterology Associates. Our board-certified GI doctors in Baton Rouge, LA are pledged to help individuals better their quality of life by implementing tested treatment regimens.
What are some causes of Crohn's disease?
The exact source of Crohn’s disease has not been discovered at this time. However, some known variables appear to play a role in the onset of Crohn’s disease and its symptoms.
- Genetics: One could inherit genes from a parent which set you at a higher risk of developing Crohn’s disease. As many as 20% of people with Crohn’s disease have a family member who also has the disease or a similar inflammatory bowel disease. It is most often found in individuals between the ages of 20 – 30.
- Immune system: It is thought that internal viruses or bacteria can activate Crohn’s disease. When our body incites the immune system to combat a bacteria or virus, an unusual immune system response can attack the cells in the digestive tract as well. A result of this can be that portions of the small bowel and the colon come to be irritated.
What are some common symptoms of Crohn’s disease?
Typically symptoms of Crohn’s disease develop gradually, and they can range from mild to severe. Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Pain in the abdomen
- Sudden weight loss
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Cramps in the stomach
- Slowed development in children
- Blood in the stool
- Pain or drainage near or around the anus
- Rectal bleeding
- Disruption of normal menstrual cycle
- Mouth sores
Contact Gastroenterology Associates promptly if you notice lasting changes regarding your bowel habits, or if you are experiencing any of the below-listed symptoms:
- Unrelenting diarrhea
- Fever that lasts more than one day
- Severe abdominal pain
- Bloody stool
- Unintentional weight loss
How is Crohn’s disease treated?
There is no current cure for Crohn’s disease, and treatment varies from person to person. The primary objectives of Crohn’s disease treatments are to manage the inflammation that triggers symptoms, and then achieve and maintain remission. In the best case, the disease will move into long-term remission in a person who receives the correct care. Crohn’s disease can be treated with any one, or a combination of the following treatment approaches.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be able to destroy bacteria that initiate the atypical immune system reaction, which is to blame for inflammation. These are not a mainstay of therapy but may be used in conjunction with additional therapies.
Anti-inflammatory medications: Corticosteroids or steroids may be employed to handle swelling while choosing a long-term treatment option. Corticosteroids assist in the reduction of swelling in the body and can also be utilized in addition to immune system suppressors.
Long-term anti-inflammatory therapies: These therapies address the body’s inappropriate immune response to bacteria and viruses. An example of the immunosuppressant drugs a Gastroenterology Associates gastroenterologist could prescribe include: methotrexate, natalizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab,azathioprine, infliximab, adalimumab, and certolizumab.
Nutrition: A gastroenterologist may recommend a special diet to alleviate symptoms and aid in induction of remission.
Surgery: In some cases, people with Crohn’s disease could need surgery to treat blockages, fistulas, infection, or bleeding if medication is not working as hoped. Others might necessitate surgery to remove the damaged part of the intestine.
Medications that treat the symptoms: Specific supplements and medications may also be recommended to assist in management of Crohn’s disease symptoms. These may include:
- Anti-diarrheals
- Vitamin B-12 shots
- Iron supplements
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements
Does Crohn’s disease cause health complications?
Intestinal blockage can occur in individuals who have Crohn’s disease. A blockage forms when the bowel wall swells or thickens from inflammation and scar tissue. In addition, ulcers can sometimes be the cause of tunnels that may grow through inflamed segments of the bowel to surrounding intestinal tissue or even other organs.
If you have Crohn’s disease, you could have insufficient levels of calories, protein, or vitamins in the food you consume. This may occur because you may be unable to absorb nutrients from the food you consume, you deal with an uncomfortable stomach preventing you from consuming enough food, or you may be suffering a loss of protein through the intestine.
Additional complications of Crohn’s disease sometimes include:
- Arthritis
- Skin problems
- Kidney stones
- Inflammation in the eyes or mouth
- Gallstones
Is Crohn's disease fatal?
Crohn’s disease isn't considered a fatal disease. However, if ignored, over time, a person with Crohn’s disease can develop health problems that could be fatal. Gastroenterology Associates may provide information on several clinical studies and treatment programs to help manage the symptoms and better the lives of anyone living with Crohn’s disease.
Patient-centered care for Crohn's disease
At Gastroenterology Associates, we understand the effects Crohn’s disease can have regarding your general health and daily life. Our board-certified GI specialists are masters at treating gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn’s disease, and we are dedicated to offering personalized, expert service to every one of our patients. To request a consultation for Crohn's disease treatment in Baton Rouge, LA, we encourage you to contact one of our locations near you today.
Crohn's Disease FAQs
How is Crohn’s disease detected?
Crohn's disease is generally diagnosed by performing one or more tests. Our Gastroenterology Associates GI team may begin the process by discussing your medical history, the signs and symptoms you have noticed, and any family history of Crohn’s or IBD. After performing a physical exam, they may order endoscopic exams (like an EGD and a colonoscopy) and laboratory testing of blood and fecal samples. CT scans, MRIs, and other diagnostic imaging procedures might also be carried out to confirm a Crohn's disease diagnosis.
Is Crohn’s disease a progressive condition?
Crohn’s disease is a long-term, chronic medical condition that can vary from individual to individual. Although its symptoms can vary from slight to intense, the intensity can also differ. Crohn’s disease can worsen as time goes on, and flare-ups can ensue.
Does Crohn’s disease ever go away?
There is no known cure for Crohn’s disease. In some cases, the condition can fall into remission. Undergoing Crohn's disease treatment and working to decrease inflammation could help manage the condition and relieve its symptoms.
Does diet have an impact on Crohn’s disease?
Dietary factors do not seem to be the cause behind Crohn’s disease. There might be some foods that elicit Crohn's flare-ups or specific effects, these can range from patient to patient. Speak with your GI specialist about any possible changes to dietary habits you might incorporate to help decrease Crohn's disease symptoms.
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Dr. Chapman and his staff handle their patients with the utmost respect and empathy. The support and resources are exceptional. I came here with a very complex set of issues after years of Crohn's disease and messy gut scarring from endometriosis + laparoscopic surgeries. He was able to navigate the details of my symptoms, history, lifestyle, etc. and help me vastly improve my problems and my overall quality of life.
The best. Knowledgeable and very caring
Dr Lamendola is extremely thorough. I trust her with my life. I’d recommend her to all my friends and I have. Staff is wonderful
I have been a patient of Dr. Walsh for many years. From diagnosis to treatment he as been on point with my care. When my husband started having GI problems, I scheduled him with Dr. Walsh. Dr. Walsh is professional, through and a treasure to have on our care team. He listens and explains. He has never made us feel like he didn't have time to answer our questions. GREAT PHYSICIAN!!
Dr Porta is one of those few and far between Physicians that is just remarkable. I can not explain how great he has been with helping me with my medical issues. He is thorough, knowledgeable, courteous, and empathetic to your needs. I highly recomend him and i am so blessed to have found him.
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