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About Crohn's Disease Consultations offered in Merrifield and Fair Oaks, Fairfax, Alexandria, Gainesville and Lansdowne, VA
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcerations along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. With the right treatment, you can live an active life with Crohn’s disease. However, when complications occur, the board-certified colon and rectal surgeons at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, can provide the comprehensive care you need. Call the office in Fairfax, Fair Oaks, Alexandria, Gainesville, Woodbridge, or Lansdowne, Virginia, or schedule an appointment online today.
Crohn's Disease Q & A
What is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can affect any part of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract — from mouth to anus — and cause inflammation and ulcerations that affect the deep layers of tissue. In most people, Crohn’s disease affects the lower part of the small intestine, which is called the ileum.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is another type of IBD that affects the large intestine, causing inflammation that only affects the inner lining of the tissue.
Researchers are still investigating what causes Crohn’s disease, but it tends to run in families. The inflammation may occur as an autoimmune reaction where your immune system mistakenly attacks the intestine.
What are Crohn’s disease complications?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that causes other complications. These complications include:
Abscesses
An abscess is a pus-filled infection. You can develop abscesses anywhere. With Crohn’s disease, the pus-filled pockets may form in the lining of the GI tract or stomach.
Anal fissures
Anal fissures are tiny tears in the anal tissue. These tears cause severe pain during and after a bowel movement. Chronic diarrhea from your Crohn’s disease may cause these tears.
Fistulas
Fistulas are abnormal tunnels that form in the wall of the GI tract, creating an opening. People with Crohn’s disease may develop fistulas from ulcerations or abscesses. Anal fistulas are a common complication in people with IBD.
Bowel obstruction
Scar tissue from inflammation or fistulas may narrow the passageway, leading to a bowel obstruction.
Colon cancer
Crohn’s disease and UC increase your risk of developing colon cancer.
What are the treatments for Crohn’s disease?
Treatment for Crohn’s disease depends on the severity of the disease and its symptoms. The goal of treatment is to reduce the frequency and severity of your Crohn’s disease flare-ups.
Treatment for Crohn’s disease management includes:
- Antidiarrheal medication
- Biologics
- Corticosteroids
- Immunomodulators
- Nutritional supplements
- Bowel rest
If you have complications from your Crohn’s disease, such as bowel obstruction or fistula, you may need surgery. Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, specializes in colorectal surgeries using the most advanced tools and techniques.
The specialists can determine the best treatment for you after a comprehensive evaluation. Surgery isn’t a cure for Crohn’s disease, but it can alleviate your symptoms.
To get help managing your Crohn’s disease, call Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, or schedule an appointment online today.