Crohn's Disease Specialist
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Premier Gastroenterology
M. Rodwan Hiba, M.D.
Gastroenterologist located in Brooksville, FL
Crohn’s disease often appears between the ages of 20-30. Since there’s no cure, you face a lifetime of managing an unpredictable disease. Your challenge is easier and your health improves when you have the support of M. Rodwan Hiba, MD, at Premier Gastroenterology. Dr. Hiba provides customized treatment that eases your symptoms and prevents flares. To get help for Crohn’s disease, call the office in Brooksville, Florida, or book an appointment online today.
Crohn's Disease Q & A
What is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is one of the conditions included under the umbrella of inflammatory bowel disease. This disease causes inflammation that appears in patches and can penetrate deep into the inside wall of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
The ongoing inflammation can lead to complications such as:
- Intestinal blockages
- Abscesses
- Malnutrition
- Ulcers
- Fistulas (abnormal passages through the tissues)
- Fistulas that affect other organs
- Higher risk of colon cancer
Crohn’s can affect any part of your GI tract. However, it most often develops in the last part of the small intestine and the beginning of the colon (large intestine).
What symptoms develop if I have Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s is a chronic (long-lasting) disease, but it goes through cycles. You have active inflammation and symptoms for a while, then your symptoms improve and you have a period of remission.
During a flare-up, you have symptoms such as:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in your stool
- Frequent or urgent bowel movements
You may also experience symptoms outside your GI tract, such as skin rashes, joint pain, mouth sores, and red or painful eyes.
How is Crohn’s disease diagnosed?
After reviewing your medical history and symptoms and completing a physical exam, Dr. Hiba may run tests to rule out other conditions and confirm that your symptoms are due to Crohn’s.
Examples of diagnostic tests include:
- Blood tests
- Stool test
- CT or MRI scans
- Colonoscopy
- Upper endoscopy
- Capsule endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy is the best way to get a complete view of the small intestine.
How is Crohn’s disease treated?
Dr. Hiba designs your treatment to relieve symptoms, heal inflammation, prevent complications, and keep the disease in remission. Your treatment may include:
Medications
Dr. Hiba may prescribe antibiotics, steroids, immunosuppressants, or biologic medications to reduce inflammation and treat Crohn’s symptoms.
Diet and nutrition
The foods you eat do not cause Crohn’s or trigger a flare. However, changing your diet during a flare may ease your symptoms. It’s also important to get adequate nutrition during a flare. Dr. Hiba works with you to determine your dietary and supplement needs.
Surgery
If medications and dietary changes can’t relieve your symptoms, or if you develop complications, Dr. Hiba may recommend surgery. During surgery, he removes damaged areas of your digestive tract, reconnects the healthy portions, and repairs problems like strictures.
When you need expert treatment for Crohn’s disease, call Premier Gastroenterology or request an appointment online.
