Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is an ongoing disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease most commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine (ileum) and causes swelling. The swelling can be painful and make the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea. Symptoms are similar to ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome, so a thorough physical exam and a series of tests may be required to diagnose Crohn’s disease.

Symptoms
Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain, often in the lower right area

• Diarrhea

• Rectal bleeding

• Children with Crohn’s disease may grow more slowly

• Weight loss

• Fever

Treatment
Treatment for Crohn’s disease may involve a blood transfusion. Crohn’s disease patients should also avoid milk, alcohol, spices, anti-inflammatory medicine and nutritional supplements. In some cases, surgery may be needed to help lessen your symptoms or correct complications like blockage or bleeding. However, surgery cannot cure Crohn’s disease.

Experts at the multidisciplinary Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic can diagnose and treat Crohn’s disease symptoms. The clinic allows patients to see a gastroenterologist and a surgeon in one visit, if needed. These specialists work together to offer patients the most up-to-date information on the latest diagnosis and treatment methods. Call 859-257-1000 or toll free 1-800-333-8874 for an appointment or view a list of our physicians.

Resources
Crohn’s disease – UK HealthCare health information
Crohn’s disease fact sheet – UK HealthCare
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America – www.ccfa.org

To make an appointment or find a physician, please call UK HealthCare at 859-257-1000 or toll free 1-800-333-8874.
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Page last updated Monday, March 26, 2007 4:01 PM