Crohn's Disease

If you frequently experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, or cramping, you may have Crohn’s disease or another inflammatory bowel disease. Fortunately, the gastroenterologists at Peak Gastroenterology Associates can diagnose and treat this condition with patient-centered, compassionate care. Treat Crohn’s Disease with expert care at Peak Gastroenterology Associates, where advanced treatments meet compassionate patient support.

What Is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It can affect any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus but most commonly affects the end of the small bowel and the beginning of the colon. Crohn’s Disease can cause a range of symptoms and may lead to serious health complications.

What Causes Crohn’s Disease?

The exact cause of Crohn’s Disease is unknown, but it is believed to result from genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. It involves an abnormal immune response that mistakenly attacks the body’s intestinal cells. Potential triggers may include:

Genetic predisposition
Immune system dysregulation
Environmental factors such as diet and smoking
Microbial factors, including changes in the gut microbiome

What Are the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease can vary widely but typically include:

Abdominal pain and cramping
Diarrhea, sometimes bloody
Fatigue and reduced energy
Weight loss and reduced appetite
Fever
Mouth sores
Perianal diseases, such as fistulas and abscesses

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How Is Crohn’s Disease Treated?

Treatment for Crohn’s Disease aims to reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and achieve and maintain remission. Treatment options include:

Medications: The treatment may require anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, antibiotics, and biologics.
Dietary Management: Tailored dietary recommendations to manage symptoms and ensure nutritional adequacy.
Surgery: To remove damaged sections of the digestive tract when necessary.
Lifestyle modifications: Stress reduction techniques and smoking cessation.

Why Choose Us?

At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, we specialize in treating Crohn’s disease. Our team of experienced gastroenterologists uses the latest diagnostic tools and treatment protocols to provide personalized care. We are committed to helping you manage your Crohn’s Disease effectively to improve your overall health and quality of life.

At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, our GI doctors offer world-class treatments and care with a patient-focused approach to patients in the Denver, Colorado Springs, Lone Tree areas, and the entire state. With a multidisciplinary team of renowned physicians, we also offer far more than just top-tier gastrointestinal care. At our practice, we provide the full continuum of care, allowing you to address all of your medical needs in one place.

Crohn's Disease FAQ

What is Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease is an inflammation of your digestive tract grouped with inflammatory bowel diseases. It can affect any part of the digestive system, from your mouth to your anus. Crohn’s disease commonly begins in people ages 13 to 30. If it’s left untreated, the disease can lead to severe complications.

While the cause of Crohn’s disease isn’t entirely known, issues with your immune system and heredity appear to play roles in its development.

What are the symptoms of Crohn’s disease?

The following signs and symptoms can indicate you have Crohn’s disease:

Unexplained weight loss
Fever
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
Diarrhea
Abdominal cramping or pain
Reduced appetite
Mouth sores
Drainage or pus near the anus
Liver, bile duct, skin, eye, or joint inflammation
Delayed growth in children

Complications associated with Crohn’s disease may include bowel obstruction, malnutrition, fistulas, ulcers, and skin or joint problems.

How is Crohn’s disease diagnosed?

Your gastroenterologist reviews your symptoms and medical history to diagnose Crohn’s disease. They complete a comprehensive physical exam and may recommend blood tests, stool tests, endoscopy, or imaging procedures to determine the severity of your condition and establish the most appropriate treatment.

What is the treatment for Crohn’s disease?

While there’s no cure for Crohn’s disease, treatments help manage your symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Your doctor might recommend:

Nutritional Therapy: Receiving nutrition through a feeding tube can let your bowel rest, reduce inflammation, and decrease the risk of malnutrition associated with Crohn’s disease. Your gastroenterologist might recommend making dietary changes like following a low-fiber diet, eliminating dairy foods, eating smaller meals, and taking nutritional supplements.
Medications: Taking certain medications, such as corticosteroids, immune suppressors, or antidiarrheals, can help alleviate symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease.
Surgical Procedures: If other treatments haven’t worked, your provider might suggest surgery to remove or repair a damaged part of your digestive tract. About half of people with Crohn’s disease may benefit from surgery.

Don’t live with uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease when effective treatments are available at Peak Gastroenterology Associates. Schedule an appointment over the phone or request an appointment online to learn more about your options.