Crohn's Disease
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Our multidisciplinary team of specialists at Houston Methodist Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders work together to assess complex gastrointestinal (GI) conditions with state-of-the-art technologies.
Crohn’s disease differs from other inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) because it can occur anywhere in the GI tract between the mouth and the anus. Other IBD conditions occur in the large intestine. This makes Crohn’s challenging to pinpoint and requires skilled medical professionals to diagnose.
U.S. News & World Report ranks Houston Methodist Hospital highest in Texas and the Gulf Coast for digestive disorders. We are also ranked by U.S. News & World Report as No. 1 in Texas for the 12th year and 5th in the nation for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery.
Data from the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) indicates Crohn’s disease impacts roughly 700,000 Americans. The average patient is 15 to 35 years old with an immune system that is more sensitive to bacteria, or compromised by genetic or lifestyles factors, such as smoking.
Each time a toxin enters the digestive system, the immune system causes irritation as it works to fight it. Layers of scar tissue develop in response to the irritation, which leads to complications, including chronic inflammation. Once you have Crohn’s disease, you will have to manage it for the rest of your life. It is best to catch it early to reduce symptoms.
Driven by Patient Outcomes
We specialize in the care of patients with complex cases that were not resolved at other hospitals. We have surgeons, nurses, dietitians and social workers who work with you from examination and diagnosis through treatment and follow-up.
Some patients who fall outside the average age for Crohn’s disease may need special attention. Our multidisciplinary team will provide nutritional support, and our social workers will focus on the patient’s well-being as they mature with this condition.
Top-Rated Medical Center Nationwide
The Underwood Center provides access to world-class, advanced diagnostic tools and research via clinical trials. We will use the methods below, among others, to assess your Crohn’s disease indicators, give confirmation and offer a treatment regimen.
Noninvasive imaging techniques:
• Computerized tomography – (X-ray) scan of the abdomen
• Intestinal ultrasound
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen
Minimally invasive diagnostic procedures:
• Capsule endoscopy – camera inside a pill-sized capsule
• Upper endoscopy – camera attached to a tube
• Colonoscopy- camera attached to a tube
Other Gastrointestinal Conditions We Treat
• Achalasia
• Appendicitis
• Barrett's Esophagus
• Celiac Disease
• Cirrhosis
• Colitis
• Diverticulitis
• Dyspepsia (indigestion)
• Dysphagia
• Gallstones
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Heartburn
• Hepatitis
• Hiatal Hernia
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Lactose Intolerance
• Liver Cancer
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Pancreatitis
• Stomach and Esophageal Cancer
• Ulcer
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Wilson Disease
Crohn’s Disease Diagnosis & Treatment
What are the signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease?
Several symptoms may indicate the presence of Crohn´s disease. Contact your doctor if any of the following persist:
• Abdominal pain
• Chronic diarrhea
• Fever or cold chills
• Night sweats
• Poor appetite
• Rectal bleeding or pain
• Vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
How is Crohn’s disease diagnosed?
The center offers several of the latest tests available to diagnose Crohn´s disease including:
• Capsule endoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Intestinal ultrasound
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Stool analysis
• Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy
How is Crohn’s disease treated?
We offer the latest and most comprehensive options that address the disease, including any psychological and nutritional needs. Anti-inflammatory medications reduce the signs and symptoms of Crohn’s. The pharmaceuticals ease symptoms, repair damaged tissue and postpone the need for surgery. The medication prescribed will vary based on the severity of the condition and the most affected portion of the digestive system.
While there is no cure for Crohn´s disease, our gastroenterology specialists have specific goals for the treatment of this disorder to make you more comfortable.