Crohn’s Disease

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can vary from person to person as they depend on the area of your GI tract that’s affected. They can also come and go. When your symptoms are present or active, it’s known as a flare-up.

General symptoms of Crohn’s disease are:

• diarrhoea

• abdominal pain and cramping

• blood in your stools

• fatigue

• weight loss

• loss of appetite

• fever

• fatigue

• mouth ulcers

There’s currently no known cause of Crohn's disease. 

However, certain factors can play a role in increasing your risk of having Crohn’s disease:

• genetics: Crohn’s disease is more common in people with a family history of the disease

• an overactive immune response: a virus or bacterium may trigger your body to attack the cells in your digestive system

• smoking: using tobacco products may double your risk

Crohn’s disease is diagnosed by assessing your medical history and symptoms and examining your abdomen. Your consultant will do this at an initial consultation.

They may need to run some tests to make an accurate diagnosis. There’s no single test for Crohn’s disease, but a stool study and blood test can look for inflammation and infection. 

An endoscopy, colonoscopy, or biopsy may also be performed. An MRI scan or CT scan might be used to confirm the diagnosis.

It’s not possible to prevent Crohn’s disease, as experts aren’t sure what causes it. However, you may be able to reduce your symptoms by following these steps:

• avoid trigger foods – these are different for everyone, so it’s best to keep a food diary and note down any foods that tend to trigger or exacerbate your symptoms

• eat little and often – avoiding larger meals and eating smaller meals more regularly may help ease your symptoms. Be sure to also drink plenty of water throughout the day, and with every meal

• avoid certain medications – your consultant will tell you which medications could worsen your symptoms. Some types of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to trigger Crohn’s disease symptoms

• avoid tobacco products – flare-ups of symptoms and further complications associated with Crohn’s disease are increased if you smoke or use tobacco products

• manage stress – prioritising your mental wellbeing, reducing stress, and managing anxiety can help you live with Crohn’s disease

Your risk of experiencing complications from Crohn’s disease can be reduced if you seek treatment and continue to manage your condition. 

However, Crohn’s does often cause complications, some of which can be serious. These are usually due to long-term inflammation and damage in your GI tract:

• anal fissure (a tear in the lining of your anus)

• stricture (part of your GI tract becoming narrower or blocked)

• perforated bowel (a hole in your bowel wall)

• fistula (a tunnel between your bowel and a part of your body that isn’t usually there)

• bowel cancer

• vitamin deficiencies 

• osteoporosis (weakened bones)

• kidney problems

• liver problems

• joint problems

• skin issues

There’s currently no cure for Crohn’s disease, but your symptoms can be managed with various treatments. 

Medications for Crohn’s disease

Your consultant may recommend 1 or more medications to help manage your symptoms. These could include:

• steroid medicines

• immunosuppressants

• biological medicines

Surgery for Crohn’s disease

Surgery may be an option if medications are no longer reducing your symptoms and stopping them from coming back for a period of time. 

Bowel resection

This may involve a procedure known as a bowel resection, where the damaged parts of your GI tract are removed and the healthy sections are connected together. 

Ileostomy

An alternative surgery is an ileostomy or colostomy. This is where part of your GI tract is removed and your bowel is redirected to end through an opening in your stomach — known as a stoma.

At Welbeck, our gastroenterologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.