Crohn's Disease in Ocean Springs, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease, also known as regional enteritis, is part of a larger group of conditions called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is the cause of uncomfortable inflammation of the digestive system. The disease often incorporates the small intestine and colon; however, it could have ramifications for any area of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, anywhere from the mouth to the anus. Crohn’s disease is unique from the alternate type of IBD referred to as ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s disease typically affects the entire intestinal wall and sometimes spreads to deeper layers of the involved bowel wall. This gastrointestinal affliction is often excessively painful and, in many cases, can lead to even more severe complications. If you or a loved one deal with the challenges of Crohn’s disease, please consult with Digestive Health Center. Our board-certified GI providers in Ocean Springs, MS are committed to assisting our patients with improving their quality of life by implementing worthwhile treatment regimens.
What causes Crohn's disease?
The specific culprit of Crohn’s disease is still undiscovered. However, a few variables appear to affect the onset of Crohn’s disease and its many challenges.
- Genetics: You could inherit genetic material from a parent/or parents, which makes you more likely to be diagnosed with regional enteritis. As many as 20% of those with Crohn’s disease are related to someone who also suffers from the condition or another inflammatory bowel disease. It is most often seen in those between 20 – 30 years old.
- Immune system: It is thought that internal bacteria or viruses can initiate Crohn’s disease. When the human body initiates the immune system to engage a virus or bacteria, an abnormal immune response can also attack the cells found in the digestive system. As a result, areas of the small intestine and the colon become irritated.
What are the common symptoms of Crohn’s disease?
Most symptoms related to Crohn’s disease develop slowly, and they range from mild to severe. Symptoms of Crohn's disease may be:
- Pain or drainage near or around the anus
- Mouth sores
- Cramps in the stomach
- Constipation
- Rectal bleeding
- Disruption of a regular menstrual cycle
- Blood in the stool
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Sudden weight loss
- Poor development in children
- Pain in the abdomen
Contact Digestive Health Center right away if you become aware of persisting changes regarding your bowel habits or you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unrelenting diarrhea
- Persistent and/or severe pain in the abdomen
- Bloody stool
- Fever extending more than one day
How is Crohn’s disease treated?
There is, at this time, no known cure for Crohn’s disease, and treatment will vary from person to person. The main goal of Crohn’s disease treatment is to manage the inflammation that triggers symptoms and then achieve and remain in remission. The best-case scenario is that the disease can go into long-term remission in a person who receives correct care. Crohn’s disease can be treated with one or multiple below-listed treatment options.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be able to destroy bacteria that initiate the atypical immune system response that causes inflammation. These are not a mainstay of therapy but may be used in conjunction with additional treatments.
Anti-inflammatory medications: Steroids or corticosteroids might be used to reduce swelling while choosing a long-term treatment plan. Corticosteroids assist in reducing inflammation in the body and can also be used alongside immune system suppressants.
Long-term anti-inflammatory therapies: These medications tackle the body’s abnormal immune response to bacteria and viruses. Examples of the immunosuppressant drugs your Digestive Health Center gastroenterologist could prescribe include: infliximab, adalimumab, azathioprine, certolizumab, methotrexate, natalizumab, ustekinumab, and vedolizumab.
Diet: The gastroenterologist might recommend specific nutritional protocols to alleviate symptoms and assist in remission induction.
Surgery: Sometimes, people with Crohn’s disease may need surgery to manage blockages, fistulas, infections, or bleeding if medication is not performing as hoped. Still, others might need surgery to extract the diseased portion of the intestine.
Medications that treat the symptoms: Certain supplements and medications may also be recommended to help manage Crohn’s disease symptoms. These may include:
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements
- Iron supplements
- Vitamin B-12 shots
- Anti-diarrheals
Assistance is available for Crohn's disease in Ocean Springs, MS. Get in touch with Digestive Health Center to hear more about potential options for care.
Does Crohn’s disease cause health complications?
An intestinal blockage may occur in those with Crohn’s disease. A blockage forms when the bowel wall swells or thickens due to scar tissue and inflammation. In addition, ulcers have been seen to cause tunnels that might form through swollen portions of the bowel to surrounding bowel tissues or, in some cases, other organs.
If you have Crohn’s disease, you might have insufficient levels of calories, protein, or vitamins in your diet. This may occur because you may not be able to absorb nutrients from your food, you suffer from an upset stomach that prevents you from consuming enough sustenance, or you could lose protein through the intestine.
Additional complications of Crohn’s disease might include:
- Gallstones
- Skin problems
- Arthritis
- Kidney stones
- Swelling of the eyes or mouth
Is Crohn’s disease fatal?
Crohn’s disease is not in and of itself fatal. However, if ignored, given some time, a person who has Crohn’s disease could develop health complications that can be fatal. Digestive Health Center may provide information on several clinical studies and care programs to help control the symptoms and better the lives of those dealing with Crohn’s disease.
Patient-focused care for Crohn's disease
Here at Digestive Health Center, our team understands the impact of Crohn’s disease on your general well-being and daily life. Our physician-led network of GI specialists are masters at treating GI conditions like Crohn’s disease, and our team is committed to delivering personalized, expert service to each of our patients. To connect with a provider in Ocean Springs, MS who treats Crohn’s disease, please contact a local practice in your community today.
Crohn's Disease FAQs
What tests are used to detect Crohn's disease?
The identification of Crohn's disease is often accomplished with one or more testing methods. Our Digestive Health Center providers may begin the diagnostic process by learning about your medical history, symptoms, and familial history of IBD or Crohn's. After providing an exam, they may order endoscopic procedures (such as a colonoscopy and an EGD) and lab testing of blood and stool samples. CT scans, MRIs, and additional diagnostic imaging procedures may also be performed in the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease.
Is Crohn’s disease an on-going condition?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, long-lasting medical condition that can differ among individuals. Though its symptoms may vary from slight to severe, the severity can fluctuate. Crohn’s disease can become worse as time goes on, and flares may arise.
Does Crohn’s disease ever go away?
At this time, there is no known method of curing Crohn’s disease. In some individuals, the disease might be in remission when it is not active. Undergoing Crohn's disease treatment and taking steps to minimize inflammation may help manage the condition and alleviate its symptoms.
Do dietary factors affect Crohn’s disease?
Diet does not seem to be the cause of Crohn’s disease. There might be some food items that induce Crohn’s flares or certain types of symptoms; however, these can vary from person to person. Talk with your GI doctor about any potential modifications to your diet you might implement to help decrease Crohn's disease symptoms.
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Dr McNair has treated me since 1983. My Mother n law was seriously ill in SRH. Dr McNair came in ICU and saved her life. That year 1983 I made an appt to be one of his patients. He had not been on the Coast very long at all. But took me as new patient…I still am a patient of Dr A McNair. He’s Brilliant. I love the whole team❤️ May 1, 2023
He is the bomb! I LOVED him when I was sick. And he is very entertaining too.
Amazing physician!!! Always listens to your concerns and has amazing bedside manner! She is very kind, thorough, and patient! Definitely recommend!!!
went in for visit, good feeling upon arrival, very professional and informative about my childs condition, will be back for follow up and annuals.
Dr. Is awesome. The wait to get in and while there sucks.
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