Crohn's Disease Treatment in Encino, CA
Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract is the tube that runs from the mouth all the way to the anus. The GI system is responsible for the food digestion, absorption, and the elimination of waste products from the body.
Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis cause inflammation or irritation in different areas along the GI tract that may go away temporarily and then flare up again.
Crohn's disease can affect any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus and may occur in patches. Some areas may be very irritated and inflamed while other parts of the tract are perfectly healthy.
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America estimates that 1.4 million Americans are living with an inflammatory bowel disease.
Request information on treatment of Crohn's disease: call (424) 365-1800 or contact Vitality Integrative Medicine online.
Crohn's Disease Symptoms
Medical providers aren't sure what causes Crohn's but do know that environmental factors, the body's immune system response, and genetics all play a role.
Symptoms of Crohn's disease can vary widely over time and can range from mild to severe. They include:
- Diarrhea
- Cramping
- Urgent need to have a bowel movement
- Rectal bleeding
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Constipation
Crohn's Disease Causes
The following factors raise your risk for Crohn's disease:
- A first degree relative (sibling or parent) with the disease
- Smoking
- Antibiotic use
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen)
- An appendectomy during childhood
- Dietary triggers
Crohn's Disease Diagnosis
There is no one test to diagnose Crohn's disease and your healthcare provider may make the diagnosis after all other possible causes have been ruled out. To diagnose Crohn's disease, you may need to undergo a variety of tests including:
- Blood work to look for anemia or infection
- Stool sampling to look for hidden blood
- Endoscopy/colonoscopy to examine the upper and lower GI tract
- CT or MRI scans to view the bowel more closely
Crohn's Disease Treatment
The goal of Crohn's treatment is to stop symptoms and reduce the chance they will come back. There is no cure for Crohn's disease and because not every treatment will work for every person, your provider may need to try a variety of options to bring remission.
Medications are the first line of treatment for Crohn's disease, but there may be times that you may need surgery to remove an area of inflammation.
Medications used to treat Crohn's include:
- Oral anti-inflammatories like corticosteroids
- Immune system suppressing drugs
- Antibiotics for infection
- Anti-diarrhea medications
- Pain relievers
- Iron supplements
- Vitamin support
Crohn's Disease Support
Crohn's disease may cause pain, fatigue , and diarrhea that keep you from enjoying life. Thankfully, the symptoms of Crohn's disease can be mitigated with treatment.
Request more information on Crohn's Disease: call (424) 365-1800 or contact Vitality Integrative Medicine online.
Vitality Integrative Medicine
Address
4849 Van Nuys BlvdSuite 104
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(424) 365-1800
www.vitalityintegrative.com
Hours
Mon:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tue:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wed:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thu:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Fri:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sat:
8:00 am - 12:00 pm