Crohn’s Disease Specialist

Digestive Disease Specialists

Gastroenterology Practice located in Moline, IL & Bettendorf, IA

Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that requires life-long medical and self-management. The gastroenterologists at Digestive Disease Specialists have years of experience working with Crohn’s patients. They promote healthy practices to reduce your symptom outbreaks and live as healthy a life as possible. Call one of the offices in Moline, Illinois, or Davenport, Iowa, to set up an appointment and get the support you need to manage Crohn’s disease. Alternatively, use this website to request your visit online.

Crohn’s Disease Q&A

What is Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It affects as many as 700,000 people in the United States.

Crohn’s disease interferes with the health of the internal lining of your gastrointestinal tract, most often affecting the small intestine and the first part of your large intestine.

Crohn’s disease causes intestinal inflammation that results in serious complications like:

Intestinal blockages
Abscesses
Fistulas
Malnutrition
Ulcers

Crohn’s disease also greatly increases your risk of developing colon cancer.

What symptoms develop because of Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease symptoms can come and go. You may go for long periods of remission where you feel healthy and live a normal life.

When you have a flare-up, symptoms can be quite serious and may include:

Diarrhea
Blood in your stool
Weight loss
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Fever
Anal tears

Crohn’s disease is also associated with systemic inflammatory problems, such as arthritis, skin conditions, and eye inflammation.

What treatments are available for Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease is diagnosed after a thorough medical history, physical exam, and evaluation of blood work and diagnostic imaging. Your doctor may also perform endoscopy or colonoscopy to closely examine your intestinal lining and evaluate the extent of your disease.

Your provider customizes your treatment to help relieve active symptoms and keep Crohn’s in remission. Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition and cannot be cured.

Your individualized treatment plan may include:

Medication

Medications that treat Crohn’s disease include immune system suppressants, anti-inflammatory agents, biologic therapies, and antidiarrheal drugs.

Bowel rest

A temporary liquid diet can ease the inflammation associated with a flare-up and allow your bowel to heal.

Nutritional supplements

Inflammation from Crohn’s can prevent your small intestine from absorbing nutrients from your food. You may need supplements to ensure you get the nutrition you need to thrive.

Surgery

Surgery can’t resolve Crohn’s disease, but it may help reduce your symptoms. Surgery for Crohn’s disease involves removing the damaged parts of your intestine.

Get the support you need to manage Crohn’s disease from the gastroenterological team at Digestive Disease Specialists. Call today for an appointment, or contact the friendly staff online.

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