CROHN’S DISEASE

What Every Patient Needs to Know

Crohn’s disease is a potentially debilitating digestive condition that inflames your intestines and causes chronic pain. At The Relief Clinic in Long Beach and Saucier, Mississippi, family medicine specialist Philip Levin, MD, can diagnose and treat Crohn’s disease. Dr. Levin works with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses your symptoms and improves your gastrointestinal health.

Call The Relief Clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any portion of your small or large intestines. Without treatment, Crohn’s disease can spread to other areas of the digestive tract. Symptoms usually develop gradually, but many people experience sudden, severe effects, such as diarrhea and weight loss.

There is currently no cure for Crohn’s disease, but early intervention can help you manage your symptoms and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

What are the symptoms of Crohn’s disease?

The symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary, but common signs include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Bloating
  • Fatigue
  • Blood in your stool
  • Reduced appetite
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Pain near the anus
  • Lesions in the mouth

Untreated Crohn’s disease can lead to malnutrition and even cause life-threatening complications, such as ulcers and intestinal obstructions. Early intervention is essential to protect your digestive health and slow the progression of Crohn’s disease.

What causes Crohn’s disease?

Medical experts don’t yet know the exact cause of Crohn’s disease, but they suspect the immune system and genetic factors may play a role in its development.

Immune system

Certain viruses may damage the immune system and cause the body’s defense mechanism to attack cells inside the gastrointestinal tract.

Genetics

Having a family history of Crohn’s disease significantly increases your risk of developing the disorder. While diet doesn’t cause Crohn’s disease, it can trigger a flare-up. Other risk factors for Crohn’s disease include:

  • Having a close relative with Crohn’s disease
  • Smoking cigarettes
  • Regularly using anti-inflammatory pain relievers

Crohn’s disease can develop at any age, but it commonly occurs in individuals aged 30 or younger.

What are the treatments for Crohn’s disease?

Treatments for Crohn’s disease vary depending on the severity of your condition. Some people only experience mild symptoms, like occasional nausea or diarrhea. For those with severe symptoms, however, surgery may be the only option to restore their quality of life.

Standard treatments for Crohn’s disease include:

  • Anti-inflammatory corticosteroids
  • Diet changes
  • Lifestyle modifications
  • Immune system suppressants
  • Antibiotics
  • Stress reduction

Studies show that marijuana can help improve common symptoms of Crohn’s disease, such as nausea, reduced appetite, and chronic abdominal pain. As a medical marijuana provider, The Relief Clinic can prescribe this herbal remedy to improve your symptoms.

Call The Relief Clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about Crohn’s disease.