Mercy Gastroenteorlogist Dr. Matilda Hagan Discusses Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a serious, chronic inflammatory bowel disease for which there is no cure.

It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can vary from patient to patient. And some of the more common signs, like diarrhea and weight loss, can mimic other conditions.

According to Mercy gastroenterologist Dr. Matilda Hagan with The Institute for Digestive Health & Liver Disease, the only way to properly diagnose Crohn's disease is with a colonoscopy and endoscopy.

“One of the key things that we need is what we call a pathological diagnosis, meaning when we go in there we see the abnormalities in the lining,” Hagan said. “We take samples –- biopsies –- we look at it under the microscope and you're looking for certain changes or features that would be suggestive of Crohn's disease.”

While there is now an assortment of effective medications to treat Crohn's disease, there is no specific diet to treat the condition.

To view Mercy gastroenterologist Dr. Matilda Hagan’s interview regarding Crohn's Disease, click here.