As an inflammatory disease, Crohn’s disease can result in sudden flares that may threaten your life. If you are struggling with the flares, you may benefit from the Huntersville Crohn’s Disease therapies at Carolina Digestive Health Associates. The earlier you start managing the disease, the better the chances of recovery.

An overview of Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes swelling in your digestive tract. The inflammation may occur in different parts of the digestive tract, but it often occurs in the small intestines in most people. As the disease worsens, the inflammation spreads to the other layers of your bowel, resulting in severe diarrhea and abdominal pain. If left untreated, Crohn’s disease can cause debilitating symptoms that sometimes may jeopardize your life. Medical experts are yet to discover the cure for Crohn’s disease. However, the therapies at Carolina Digestive Health Associates can minimize the severity of your symptoms and result in long-term remission. With these therapies, you can embark on your daily activities without difficulty.

Symptoms indicating Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease can attack any part of your large or small intestines. Depending on the affected part, your signs and symptoms may range from mild to debilitating. The symptoms may worsen gradually, but in some cases, they may occur suddenly. Sometimes you may not have any symptoms. Signs that may indicate Crohn’s disease include abdominal cramping and pan, unexplained fatigue, loss of appetite and weight, fistula, and fever. In severe cases, the symptoms may include kidney stones, iron deficiency, inflammation of the bile ducts or liver, and delayed sexual development in children. If you experience several of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to inform your most trusted specialist at Carolina Digestive Health Associates. Early detection of Crohn’s disease increases your treatment success chances.

Factors contributing to the occurrence of Crohn’s disease

The exact cause of this disease is still uncertain. Still, medical research suggests that an abnormal immune system reaction to an invading bacterium or virus may contribute to its development. Instead of attacking the virus, the immune system attacks the inner lining of your intestine. Other causes include long-term use of specific medications, a consistently high-fat diet, and genetics. If you’re related to someone with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, your risk may double if you smoke.

How to manage Crohn’s disease

During your Carolina Digestive Health Associates appointment, your physician performs a comprehensive physical exam and reviews your family history. There is no precise diagnostic test for Crohn’s disease, so the specialists conduct their diagnosis by ruling out other medical conditions. Your doctor may run tests like balloon-assisted enteroscopy, capsule endoscopy, CT scan, MRI, or colonoscopy. After diagnosis, your provider may create a personalized treatment plan. The team may recommend medications such as antibiotics, biologics, anti-inflammatories, and immune system suppressants to bring on remission. Although people with severe Crohn’s disease may need hospitalization, most patients improve with conservative approaches. If you have severe symptoms or they do not respond to medication, your provider may recommend surgery.

To learn more about Crohn’s disease, call the Carolina Digestive Health Associates office or book an appointment online.