From constant fatigue to painful abdominal cramps, Crohn’s disease is a chronic illness that can dramatically impair a person’s quality of life. According to the gastroenterologists at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home in Gloversville, NY, the disease can affect people at any age. If you think you may be experiencing the symptoms of this disease, here is a brief guide to the condition. 

What Gastroenterologists Want You to Know About Crohn's Disease

It Affects the Gastrointestinal Tract 

Crohn’s disease was first identified by Dr. Burrill B. Crohn and his colleagues in 1932 as an inflammatory bowel disease. Although the illness typically affects the end of the small bowel and beginning of the colon, chronic inflammation can be present anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. In people with Crohn’s disease, normal bacteria that live in the gastrointestinal tract is interpreted by the immune system as a threat. Cells travel to the intestines and cause inflammation to protect against an attack. 

Symptoms Vary From Mild to Severe

Although the exact cause is not entirely known, genetics, heredity, and environmental factors contribute to the development of the illness. Symptoms vary from person to person and can range from fevers and night sweats to rectal bleeding and frequent diarrhea. As the disease advances, scar tissue can form on the intestines. This can make eating extremely painful, as movement from the intestines causes the scar tissue to stretch and pull. Because eating leads to cramps and severe abdominal pain, many people with Crohn’s disease experience weight loss.

Medication Can Alleviate Symptoms

If you think you might have Crohn’s disease, consult a gastroenterologist for an official diagnosis. This way, they can rule out other problems that affect the gastrointestinal tract. To determine whether you have the illness, a doctor may perform a colonoscopy as well as blood tests, Barium X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. If you have the disease, the gastroenterologist will prescribe medications that reduce inflammation or stop the immune system from sending signals to kick-start inflammation.

If you have Crohn’s disease or additional gastrointestinal illnesses, trust the professionals at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home to provide the necessary treatment to alleviate the symptoms and improve your quality of life. To schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist in Fulton County, call (518) 725-8621. Visit the family practice online to learn more about the team and additional pediatric and adult medicine services.