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Kansas City's Premiere Digestive Health Specialists
Request An Appointment
816-836-2200
Kansas City's Premiere Digestive Health Specialists
Crohn's Disease is one of two types of an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Crohn's disease can be found anywhere in the digestive tract, but most often is found in the colon. Once a person is diagnosed with Crohn's disease, the goal is to manage the symptoms and flare ups as there is no cure.
Crohn's Disease causes inflammation in the intestines which produces sores and ulcers. Over time the sores and ulcers cause scar tissue to form and along with the inflammation can cause intestinal blockage. The sores associated with Crohn's Disease can also be so severe that they work their way through the bowel tissue and create holes. Holes in the intestines can be very serious and life threatening.
Crohn's Disease can be very painful and even effect everyday activities, but with medical help, most people who suffer from Crohn's are able to stabilize the symptoms and maintain a healthy, active life-style.
There is no known cause for Crohn's Disease. Maintaining a good diet and exercise, avoiding fatty foods and smoking can all help to decrease the risk of Crohn's Disease.
The symptom most associated with Crohn's disease is diarrhea. The colon absorbs water and salt from digested food that is turned into waste. Sufferers of Crohn's Disease produce extra water and salt that cannot be absorbed by the colon, thus producing watery stools or diarrhea. This can lead to another symptom of Crohn's Disease which is weight-loss.
Additional symptoms of Crohn's Disease include:
Unfortunately the symptoms of Crohn's Disease are unpredictable and many of them arise suddenly with little warning
Crohn's Disease can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated properly. Because Crohn's Disease can also heighten your risk for colon cancer, anal fissures, and other bowel obstructions, we recommend screening for Crohn's Disease if any symptoms are present.
To screen for Crohn's Disease a colonoscopy is done. A colonoscopy can help rule out other medical conditions and assists doctors in creating a plan to move Crohn's Disease into remission. Having a regular colonoscopy performed is recommended by our doctors if you suffer from Crohn's Disease.
There is no cure for Crohn's Disease but treatments can help keep it under control. Treatments can reduce symptoms such as, inflammation, weight-loss and diarrhea.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of Crohn's Disease we recommend consulting one of our physicians for a screening.
Crohn's Disease is most commonly diagnosed in those who are between the ages of 15 and 30. The cause for Crohn's Disease remains unknown, but there are certain groups of people that are more at risk. Those who have a family history of Crohn's disease are more prone to having it, as are people from a Jewish decent.
Research has shown that geographical location might also increase the risk of Crohn's Disease. Cases of Crohn's Disease are more common for people living in industrialized cities and in northern climates. Smokers are also at a heightened risk.
If you have a family history of Crohn's Disease and are experiencing any symptoms, you should be screened
