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 Bloomington, 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.
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