Crohn's Disease in Illinois
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Find a ProviderWhat is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is part of a group of disease referenced as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This disease is the root of uncomfortable irritation of the digestive tract. The disease most commonly includes the small intestine and also the colon, but it may affect any area of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from the mouth to the anus. Crohn’s disease is unique from the other variation of IBD known as ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s disease typically affects the whole of the intestinal wall and often spreads to deeper parts of the affected intestinal anatomy. This gastrointestinal condition is typically quite uncomfortable and can possibly lead to more grave complications. If you or a loved one deal with the daily realities of Crohn’s disease, please schedule with GI Alliance of Illinois. Our board-certified GI specialists in Chicago, IL, Peoria, IL, and Normal, IL, are dedicated to assisting our patients to increase their quality of life by implementing tested treatments.
What causes Crohn's disease?
The precise cause of Crohn’s disease is currently a mystery. However, there are a few factors that seem to affect the presentation of Crohn’s disease and its difficulties.
- Immune system: It is thought that internal viruses or bacteria can trigger Crohn’s disease. When our body triggers the immune system to engage a bacteria or virus, an abnormal immune reaction can attack the cells in the digestive system as well. A result of this can be that areas of the small bowel and the colon become irritated.
- Genetics: One might inherit genes from a parent/or parents that place you at a more pronounced chance of having Crohn’s disease. As great as 20% of people with Crohn’s disease are related to someone who also suffers from the disease or a similar inflammatory bowel disease. It is most common in those between the ages of 20 and 30.
To learn more about Crohn's disease and how it can have an impact on your life, schedule a consultation with our team of GI providers at GI Alliance of Illinois. We enjoy educating our patients throughout Illinois, and helping them enhance their GI health.
What are some common symptoms of Crohn’s disease?
Typically symptoms resulting from Crohn’s disease for patients in Illinois develop gradually, and they range anywhere from mild to severe. Crohn’s disease symptoms can include:
- Blood in the stool
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Sudden weight loss
- Sores in the mouth
- Disruption of the usual menstrual cycle
- Cramps in the stomach
- Drainage or pain around or near the anus
- Poor development in children
- Pain in the abdomen
- Constipation
- Rectal bleeding
You should contact GI Alliance of Illinois right away if you become aware of persistent changes regarding your bowel habits, or if you are experiencing any of the below-listed symptoms:
- Fever extending more than one day
- Ongoing diarrhea
- Severe and/or persistent and/or severe pain in the abdomen
- Bloody stool
- Unexplained weight loss
How is Crohn’s disease treated?
There is presently no cure for Crohn’s disease, and treatment in Illinois will vary from person to person. The main objectives of Crohn’s disease treatments are to control the swelling that triggers symptoms, and then reach and remain in remission. In the best cases, the disease will enter into long-term remission in a person who receives correct care. Crohn’s disease might be treated with any one of or multiple of the below-listed treatment options.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be able to eliminate bacteria that initiate the atypical immune system reaction that causes inflammation. These are not a mainstay of therapy but may be used in conjunction with additional therapies.
Anti-inflammatory medications: Corticosteroids or steroids can be used to control swelling during the process of implementing a long-term treatment option. Corticosteroids assist in the reduction of swelling in one's body and can be utilized in addition to immune system suppressants.
Long-term anti-inflammatory therapies: These medications tackle the body’s abnormal immune reaction to viruses and bacteria. A few of the immunosuppressant medications a GI Alliance of Illinois gastroenterologist might prescribe include: infliximab, adalimumab, azathioprine, certolizumab, methotrexate, natalizumab, ustekinumab, and vedolizumab.
Diet: A gastroenterologist may recommend a special diet to help with symptoms and assist in reaching remission.
Surgery: Occasionally, patients who have Crohn’s disease may require surgery to treat bleeding, infection, fistulas, or blockages if medication is not helping. Still others might need surgery to remove the damaged section of the intestine.
Medications that treat the symptoms: Certain supplements and medications might also be recommended to assist in management of Crohn’s disease symptoms. These may include:
- Vitamin B-12 shots
- Vitamin D and calcium supplements
- Iron supplements
- Anti-diarrheals
Help is available for Crohn's disease in Illinois. Reach out to GI Alliance of Illinois to hear more about potential treatment options.
Does Crohn’s disease cause health complications?
Intestinal blockage is sometimes seen to occur in people who suffer from Crohn’s disease. A blockage occurs because the intestinal wall swells or thickens from scar tissue and inflammation. In addition, ulcers have been seen to cause tunnels that may form through inflamed segments of the bowel to nearby bowel tissues or even other organs.
If you have Crohn’s disease in Illinois, you might have insufficient amounts of calories, protein or vitamins in your diet. This may occur because you may be unable to absorb nutrients from the food you consume, you experience an upset stomach keeping you from consuming a sufficient amount of food, or you might be suffering a loss of protein through the intestine. Request an appointment at GI Alliance of Illinois for the proper treatment.
Additional complications caused by Crohn’s disease might include:
- Arthritis
- Kidney stones
- Swelling in the eyes or mouth
- Gallstones
- Skin problems
Expert care for Crohn's disease
Crohn’s disease in Illinois is not considered a fatal disease. However, if ignored, given some time, a person who has Crohn’s disease can develop health complications that can be fatal. GI Alliance of Illinois may have access to multiple clinical trials and care programs to help address the symptoms and enhance the lives of those struggling with Crohn’s disease.
Patient-focused treatment for Crohn's disease
At GI Alliance of Illinois, our team understands the effects Crohn’s disease can have on your general well-being and daily life. Our physician-led network of GI specialists are masters at treating GI diseases such as Crohn’s disease, and our team is pledged to offering expert, personalized care to each of our patients. To get in touch with a physician in Illinois who treats Crohn’s disease, we urge you to reach out to our office today.
Crohn's Disease FAQs
How is Crohn’s disease diagnosed?
Crohn's disease is commonly confirmed by using a combination of tests. Our gastroenterologists at GI Alliance of Illinois may start by reviewing your medical history, signs or symptoms, and any familial history of Crohn’s or IBD. After providing a physical examination, they may prescribe endoscopic exams (such as a colonoscopy and an EGD) and laboratory testing of fecal and blood samples. MRIs, CT scans, and other imaging may also be used in the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease.
Is Crohn’s disease an on-going condition?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, often lifelong medical condition that can differ among individuals. Though the symptoms of this disease may range from slight to acute, the degree of severity can also vary. This disease can worsen as time goes by, and flare-ups might ensue.
Is there a cure for Crohn’s disease?
At this time, there is no known method of curing Crohn’s disease. For some people, the disorder might be in remission when it is not in an active state. Undergoing Crohn's disease treatment and taking steps to decrease inflammation might help manage the disease and minimize its symptoms.
Will dietary factors have an impact on Crohn’s disease?
Dietary factors do not seem to be the reason behind Crohn’s disease. Certain foods might induce Crohn’s flares or particular effects, but these can differ from patient to patient. Speak with your gastrointestinal specialist about any potential modifications to your diet you might adopt to help manage the effects of Crohn's disease.
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Dr. Chi is extremely professional, compassionate and knowledgeable.He calms your fears and lets you know its going to be okay. I feel better knowing I am in his care.
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Dr Elkhatib is great..one of the nicest doctors I've ever had. He takes the time to explain everything and go over different options..I feel very comfortable with him..the office staff used to be tho only bad thing but has definitely gotten way better over the last year
I have been seeing Dr. Sun for a few years now and I can honestly say she is absolutely fabulous. She is very easy to talk to and answers all questions you may have and more importantly always has a plan of action. She has helped me so much in so many ways. I have never had a doctor that was as thorough and competent as she is. I hate having crohn's disease but I absolutely love my visits with Dr.Sun !!!
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