Crohn’s Disease

Progressive Surgical Care

Colorectal Surgeons and General Surgeons located in Howard Beach, Queens & New Hyde Park, Long Island

Cases of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are on the rise in the United States. If you have Crohn’s disease, you know how disruptful and agonizing your flare-ups can be. The experienced team at Progressive Surgical Care, with New York offices in Forest Hills, New Hyde Park, Long Island and Howard Beach, Queens, specializes in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease, and can help you manage the condition to reduce your flare-ups and improve your quality of life. For an evaluation, call the office today to schedule an appointment.

Crohn’s Disease Q & A

What is Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of your digestive system, from your mouth to each and every part of the intestinal tract, even the anus. The disease causes inflammation in the deep layers of your digestive tract, which can cause severe and debilitating pain, bloating, bleeding, and stricturing.

Researchers are still investigating the exact cause of Crohn’s disease, but theorize your genetic history, as well as your immune system, may play a role in its development. Stress and diet may aggravate your symptoms.

Currently, there’s no cure for Crohn’s disease, but the experienced team at Progressive Surgical Care can provide treatment to help reduce inflammation, ease your pain, and prevent flare-ups.

What are the symptoms of Crohn’s disease?

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary in type and severity and may depend on the location of your inflammation, as well as whether your disease is in remission. During a Crohn’s flare-up you may experience:

Diarrhea
Abdominal pain and cramping
Blood in your stool
Fatigue or fever
Lack of appetite
Weight loss
Formation of an anal fistula that causes anal drainage

In severe cases of Crohn’s disease, you may also experience inflammation in your joints or skin.

What is the difference between Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis?

Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory bowel diseases, but they have distinct characteristics. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of your digestive system, and you may have areas of inflammation intermixed with areas of healthy tissue. Ulcerative colitis only affects the colon and usually causes inflammation of the entire organ.

Additionally, Crohn’s disease tends to affect the deep layers of your digestive tissue, while ulcerative colitis only affects the innermost lining.

What treatments can help me manage my Crohn’s disease?

Treatment for your Crohn’s disease centers on reducing inflammation and complications. Your specialist at Progressive Surgical Care may recommend managing your inflammation with medication, such as corticosteroids or immune system suppressors. With a flare-up or the formation of a fistula, your specialist may recommend bowel rest and a course of antibiotics to help heal the damaged tissue.

If necessary, surgery may be recommended to remove the diseased portion of your digestive tract or treat fistula or structuring. It’s estimated that about 50% of people with Crohn’s disease need surgery.

The team emphasizes and adheres to bowel/intestinal preservation and always tries to avoid a stoma colostomy or ileostomy).

For management of your Crohn’s disease, call Progressive Surgical Care today or book an appointment online.

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