Crohn's Disease Specialist

Gastroenterology and Nutrition of Central Florida

Gastroenterologists & Certified Nutritionists located in The Villages, Leesburg, & Wildwood, FL

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Though it affects a little more than half a million people in the United States, rates of diagnosis are on the rise. Top-rated gastroenterologists, Nehme Gabriel, MD, and Raj Borade, MD, at Gastroenterology & Nutrition of Central Florida, take a holistic and evidence-based approach to care. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of Crohn’s disease. To schedule a consultation, call the office in The Villages, Leesburg, or Brownwood Paddock Square in Wildwood, Florida, or book online today.

Crohn's Disease Q & A

What is Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. The inflammation may cause debilitating abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract and causes inflammation that spreads into deep tissue layers.

By comparison, ulcerative colitis, another type of inflammatory bowel disease, causes inflammation to the lining of your intestine, and only affects the large intestine or rectum.

Researchers are still investigating what causes someone to develop Crohn’s disease, but theorize the inflammatory condition may occur from a combination of genetics and exposure to bacteria that may lead to the inflammation.

What are Crohn’s disease symptoms?

Crohn’s disease symptoms vary in type and severity. Some people only experience mild symptoms, while others experience severe, debilitating symptoms.

Common Crohn’s disease symptoms include:

Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Bloody stools
Fever
Fatigue
Anal pain during a bowel movement

The inflammation from Crohn’s disease may severely damage your gastrointestinal tract and cause serious health complications such as malnutrition, obstruction, or a fistula (tunnel through your gastrointestinal tract).

How is Crohn’s disease diagnosed?

There’s no single test that can diagnose Crohn’s disease.

When you visit Gastroenterology & Nutrition of Central Florida with symptoms suggestive of Crohn’s disease, your doctor conducts an in-depth clinical evaluation.

During the exam, your gastroenterologist reviews your symptoms, medical and family history, and performs a physical. Diagnostic tests are also run to confirm or rule out other causes. Testing may include:

Blood test
Stool analysis
Colonoscopy
Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy

The gastroenterologists at Gastroenterology & Nutrition of Central Florida perform the endoscopic procedures at surgical centers.

How is Crohn’s disease treated?

Your doctor develops an individualized treatment plan for Crohn’s disease based on the severity of your condition and symptoms, as well as your overall health. Your treatment plan may include:

Nutrition therapy
Nutritional supplements
Anti-inflammatory medications
Immune suppressing medications
Antibiotics
Medications to manage symptoms

If your Crohn’s disease is severe and fails to respond to medical intervention, Gastroenterology & Nutrition of Central Florida may recommend surgery to remove the damaged portion of your gastrointestinal tract.

To schedule your Crohn’s disease consultation, call Gastroenterology & Nutrition of Central Florida, or request an appointment online today.

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