Crohn’s Disease Treatment

What is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the digestive tract, primarily targeting the small intestine and colon. This disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. Crohn’s is part of a group of conditions known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and can range from mild to severe, impacting a person’s quality of life. While it can occur at any age, Crohn’s typically appears in young adults. The exact cause is still unclear, but it’s believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

What Causes Crohn’s Disease

The exact cause of Crohn’s Disease is unknown, but it’s thought to result from an abnormal immune system response. In individuals with Crohn’s, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the digestive tract, causing chronic inflammation. Genetics also play a role, as those with a family history of Crohn’s are at a higher risk. Environmental factors like diet, stress, and certain infections may also trigger or exacerbate the disease, though they are not direct causes.

Crohn’s Disease Risk Factors

  • Family history
  • Untreated high blood pressure and chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart and kidney diseases
  • Smoking is linked to a higher risk of developing the disease.
  • Certain ethnic groups, such as Ashkenazi Jews, have higher rates of Crohn’s.
  • Living in urban areas or industrialized countries may contribute to a higher risk, potentially due to dietary and environmental factors.
  • Age

Treatment Options

While there is no cure for Crohn’s Disease, several treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life. Treatment plans are personalized to each individual and often include medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, or biologics to reduce inflammation and control flare-ups. Dietary changes can also play a key role, with tailored plans helping to manage symptoms and ensure proper nutrition.

In more severe cases, surgery may be required to remove damaged parts of the digestive tract or address complications like strictures or fistulas. Along with medical treatments, lifestyle adjustments, such as stress management, quitting smoking, and maintaining regular physical activity, can further help patients manage the disease and maintain overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crohn’s Disease

Currently, there is no cure for Crohn’s Disease, but treatments can help manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups

7 Convenient Houston Locations

Bellaire

4747 Bellaire Blvd. Ste. 150
Bellaire, TX 77401
Phone: (281) 315-8130
Fax: (281) 315-8131
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Cleveland

314 South San Jacinto Ave
Cleveland, TX 77327
Phone: (936) 571-0508
Fax: (281) 763-2706
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Conroe

506 Medical Center Blvd. Ste. 100
Conroe, TX 77304
Phone: (936)-571-0508
Fax: (281) 763-2706
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Cypress

27700 Northwest Fwy. Ste. 580
Cypress, TX 77433
Phone (346) 345-2400
Fax (346) 345-2401
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Houston

522 Timberdale Ln.Houston, TX 77090

Phone: (281) 315-8130
Fax: (281) 315-8131
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Huntsville

130 Medical Center Pkwy. Ste. 5
Huntsville, TX 77340
Phone: (936) 571-0508
Fax: (281) 763-2706
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

The Woodlands

9319 Pinecroft Dr. Ste. 100 & 210
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Phone: (346) 345-2400
Fax: (346) 345-2401
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM