Crohn’s Disease
Colon and Rectal Surgery located in Sacramento, Carmichael and Roseville, CA
Up to 3 million Americans have Crohn’s disease, a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. There’s no cure for Crohn’s, but there are things you can do to relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. At Sacramento Colon and Rectal Surgery Medical Group in Sacramento, Roseville, or Carmichael, California, the board-certified surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating Crohn’s disease using a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, prescription medication, and, when necessary, surgery. Call Sacramento Colon and Rectal Surgery Medical Group today to request a Crohn’s disease consultation or book an appointment online.
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation of your large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus. Without treatment, the inflammation may spread, resulting in a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and malnutrition.
Crohn’s disease is most common in teens and young adults. Experts don’t know what causes it, but several factors may contribute, including family history and ethnicity. Crohn’s disease is also more common in people who smoke or frequently use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines.
Without treatment, Crohn’s disease increases your risk of more serious health problems, including anal fissures, anal fistulas, bowel obstructions, and ulcers. It may even increase your risk of colon cancer.
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:
Sometimes, severe Crohn’s disease causes inflammation outside of the digestive tract. For example, you might experience joint pain or swollen skin.
Your Sacramento Colon and Rectal Surgery Medical Group provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms and lifestyle.
Next, they complete a physical exam and order blood tests to check for existing infections. If these screens don’t provide enough information, your provider orders diagnostic testing, like a colonoscopy, to evaluate your lower digestive tract.
During a colonoscopy, your provider uses a thin tube with a light and camera on the end to check your lower digestive tract for inflammation, polyps (unusual growths), and other abnormalities.
Treatment of Crohn’s disease depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your life. There’s no cure, but a combination of prescription medicine and healthy lifestyle changes can reduce inflammation and ease uncomfortable side effects.
Sacramento Colon and Rectal Surgery Medical Group may recommend surgery if medication doesn't provide significant relief.
The board-certified surgeons use specialized, minimally invasive techniques to treat Crohn’s disease. While surgery won’t cure inflammatory bowel disease, it can remove the damaged parts of your digestive tract and improve their function.
To learn more about treatment options available for Crohn’s disease, schedule an appointment at Sacramento Colon and Rectal Surgery Medical Group online or by phone today.