Crohn's Disease in Little Rock, AR
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Find a ProviderWhat is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is a category of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This disease is the cause of painful inflammation of the digestive system. Crohn's disease usually involves the small bowel and also the colon, but it might have ramifications for any portion of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract anywhere from the mouth to the anus. Crohn’s disease is different from the alternate form of IBD known as ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s disease can affect the whole of the intestinal wall and sometimes spreads to more interior portions of the involved bowel wall. This GI affliction is typically quite uncomfortable and, in many cases, can develop into more serious complications. If you or a loved one suffer from the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, we urge you to contact GastroArkansas. Our board-certified GI specialists in Little Rock, AR are dedicated to helping our patients improve their quality of life through tested treatment options.
What causes Crohn's disease?
The specific cause of Crohn’s disease is, currently, a mystery. However, there are some factors that seem to influence the likeliness of being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and its' difficulties.
- Genetics: A person could inherit genetic material from a parent/or parents which increases their chance of having Crohn’s disease. As great as 20% of individuals with Crohn’s disease have a relative who also suffers from the condition or similar inflammatory bowel disease. It is most often seen in individuals between the ages of 20 – 30.
- Immune system: It is thought that internal bacteria or viruses can activate Crohn’s disease. When your body activates the immune system to engage a bacteria or virus, an unusual immune system reaction can attack the cells in the digestive system as well. A result of this can be that parts of the small bowel, as well as the colon, become swollen.
If you feel you might be at risk for Crohn's disease and would like more information, our dedicated team of GI specialists in Little Rock, AR are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
What are the common symptoms of Crohn’s disease?
Typically symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease manifest slowly, and they range from mild to severe. Symptoms of Crohn's disease might include:
- Cramps in the stomach
- Rectal bleeding
- Constipation
- Sudden loss of weight
- Disruption of the normal menstrual cycle
- Drainage or pain around or near the anus
- Diarrhea
- Mouth sores
- Fever
- Poor development in children
- Pain in the abdomen
- Bloody stool
Contact GastroArkansas right away if you become aware of persistent changes to your bowel habits, or if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Blood in your stool
- Fever that lasts for more than one day
- Persistent diarrhea
- Unintentional weight loss
- Severe and/or persistent abdominal pain
How is Crohn’s disease typically treated?
There is, as of now, no known cure for Crohn’s disease, and its treatment will likely vary for each individual. The main objectives of Crohn’s disease treatments are to control the inflammation that causes symptoms, and then reach and remain in remission. The best-case scenario is that the disease will enter into long-term remission in an individual who is given proper care. Crohn’s disease might be treated with one or a combination of the below-listed treatments.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics can help destroy bacteria that trigger the atypical immune system response that is to blame for inflammation. These are not a mainstay of therapy but may be used in coordination with additional therapies.
Anti-inflammatory medications: Steroids or corticosteroids may be administered to handle swelling while choosing a long-term treatment option. Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation in the body and can also be used in tandem with immune system suppressants.
Long-term anti-inflammatory therapies: These therapies address the body’s abnormal immune reaction to viruses and bacteria. A few of the immunosuppressant drugs your GastroArkansas gastroenterologist might prescribe include: infliximab, adalimumab, azathioprine, certolizumab, methotrexate, natalizumab, ustekinumab, and vedolizumab.
Nutrition: A gastroenterologist may recommend special nutritional protocols to alleviate symptoms and assist in entering remission.
Surgery: Sometimes, patients with Crohn’s disease could need surgery to correct bleeding, infection, fistulas, or blockages if medication is not helping. Others could need surgery to remove the damaged area of the intestine.
Medications for symptoms: Specific medications and supplements could also be suggested to help manage Crohn’s disease symptoms. These may include:
- Anti-diarrheals
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements
- Vitamin B-12 shots
- Iron supplements
Treatment is available for Crohn's disease in Little Rock, AR. Get in touch with a GastroArkansas specialist near you to learn more about potential options for care.
Could Crohn’s disease cause health complications?
Intestinal blockage can sometimes occur in those who suffer from Crohn’s disease. A blockage occurs when the bowel wall thickens or swells from scar tissue and inflammation. Additionally, ulcers can sometimes cause tunnels that might grow through inflamed parts of the intestine to nearby intestinal tissue or, in some cases, other organs.
If you have Crohn’s disease, you may lack sufficient amounts of calories, protein, or vitamins in your diet. This may occur because you may not be able to absorb nutrients from the food you consume, you suffer from an upset stomach keeping you from consuming enough food, or you might be losing protein through the intestine.
Other complications of Crohn’s disease could include:
- Kidney stones
- Gallstones
- Inflammation of the eyes or mouth
- Dermatological issues
- Arthritis
Expert care for Crohn's disease
Crohn’s disease isn't, in and of itself, fatal. However, if left unmanaged and untreated, over time, an individual with Crohn’s disease could develop health complications that can be deadly. GastroArkansas may have access to several clinical trials and treatment programs to help manage the symptoms and enhance the lives of all those living with Crohn’s disease.
Patient-focused care for Crohn's disease
Here at GastroArkansas, we understand the impact Crohn’s disease can have regarding your overall health and daily life. Our board-certified gastroenterologists specialize in treating gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease, and we are devoted to providing personalized, expert service to each of our patients. To get in touch with a provider in Little Rock, AR who can help you with Crohn’s disease, we encourage you to contact a GastroArkansas location near you today.
Crohn's Disease FAQs
What tests can detect Crohn's disease?
Confirming a Crohn's disease diagnosis is generally accomplished through a combination of testing methods. Our GastroArkansas GI providers may begin the diagnostic process by discussing your health history, the symptoms you are experiencing, and any familial history of Crohn’s or IBD. After performing a physical exam, they may prescribe endoscopic tests (like an EGD or a colonoscopy) and labwork involving blood and fecal samples. MRIs, CT scans, and other diagnostic imaging might also be conducted in the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease.
Is Crohn’s disease a progressive condition?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, often lifelong health condition that can differ among patients. Though its symptoms may vary from mild to severe, the degree of severity can also fluctuate. The condition can worsen over time, and flare-ups may arise.
Is Crohn’s disease a curable condition?
There is no method of curing Crohn’s disease at this time. For some people, the disorder may be in remission if it is inactive. Getting treatment for Crohn's disease and working to reduce inflammation might help manage the condition and lessen its effects.
Will dietary factors impact Crohn’s disease?
Diet does not seem to be the cause of Crohn’s disease. While there might be certain types of foods that trigger Crohn’s flares or specific effects, this can range from patient to patient. Talk with your gastrointestinal specialist about any possible dietary changes you might implement to help ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
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Dr. Meziere has been my gastrointestinal doctor for 14 years. He treats me for Crohn's disease. I have always found him to be very knowledgeable about this disorder, and he will do everything possible to resolve my symptoms. Most important to me...he listens!
Dr. Kakati took his time and figured out what was causing my issues. I highly recommend his care to others.
She is the BEST!!! Very thorough!! Highly recommend!!!
Dr. Robertson is a very caring physician, always ready to explain what he has done during surgery and follow-up. Very satisfied and would definitely recommend him.
Dr. Gibbs was a fellow at my previous medical facility and I have followed her as she has jumped through all the hoops and is now a provider in a private practice. She is very conscientious and attends to every detail of my health. I feel that her training was excellent and I look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.
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