Crohn's Disease Symptoms & Treatment

According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), 700,000 people in America may be suffering from Crohn’s disease. It affects men and women equally and is most prevalent among 15- to 35-year-olds. Crohn´s disease is an extreme case of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), generally occurring at the end of the small intestine and making the digestive tract prone to sores and ulcers. Inflammation can develop from this lifelong condition anywhere from the mouth to the anus. While the causes of the condition are unknown, a weak immune system that reacts strongly to bacteria can contribute to the severity of the disease. Smoking can be one of the causes of developing Crohn´s disease, and a family history also increases your risk. Our physicians specially trained in gastroenterology diseases and disorders at Houston Methodist work collaboratively with your primary care physician to assess your condition through the use of our state-of-the-art diagnosing technology and techniques.

A number of symptoms may indicate you are suffering from Crohn´s disease, and you should contact your doctor if they persist.

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Poor appetite
• Fever or cold chills
• Vomiting
• Night sweats
• Rectal pain
• Rectal bleeding

Diagnosing Crohn’s Disease

Houston Methodist offers a number of the latest tests available to diagnose Chron´s disease.

• Colonoscopy
• Stool analysis
• Abdominal X-ray
• Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series
• Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy
• Barium enema
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

We offer the latest and most comprehensive treatment options to address your specific condition. While there is no cure for Crohn´s disease, our gastroenterology specialists at Houston Methodist have specific goals for treating this disease and making you more comfortable, including

• Induce remissions
• Maintain remissions
• Minimize side effects of treatment
• Improve the quality of life

Anti-inflammatory medications are often used to induce and maintain remission by relieving symptoms, repairing damaged tissue and postponing the need for surgery. The medication prescribed will vary based on the severity of the condition and which part of the digestive system is most affected.