Crohn’s Disease Treatment by Experts Specializing in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Crohn’s disease, one of the two most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, can be painful and debilitating. Patients from across the Mid-Atlantic region seek the expertise of our gastroenterologists at The Center for Inflammatory Bowel and Colorectal Diseases at Mercy in Baltimore for the management and treatment of Crohn’s disease.

About Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease causes patches of inflammation throughout the digestive tract. Most often, Crohn’s disease affects the small intestine or colon. The inflammation can cause scarring on the bowel wall resulting in an obstruction of the digestive process. Sometimes, the inflammation goes deep through the layers of the bowel wall.

Crohn’s disease can develop at any age, but most often it begins prior to age 30. While there is no known cause for Crohn’s disease, it is thought to be either hereditary or a malfunction of the immune system trying to fight a bacteria or virus but attacks the digestive tract cells instead. There is not a cure for Crohn’s disease, but the disease can be managed through various treatment options.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:

Abdominal pain
Cramping
Severe diarrhea
Blood in stool
Ulcers
Reduced appetite
Weight loss

To diagnose Crohn’s disease, various tests may be conducted, including:

Treatment Options for Crohn's Disease

Once Crohn’s disease is diagnosed, treatment options include:

Drug therapy – such as infliximab, also known as Remicade, biologic agents, immunomodulators, antibiotics, steroids, and mesalamine products
Surgery – necessary when there are bowel obstructions or fistulas

The Melissa L. Posner Institute for Digestive Health & Liver Disease at Mercy provides diagnosis and treatment for a range of gastroenterology issues including heartburn, liver disease, bowel conditions, motility disorders and pancreatic disease.