Crohn's disease affects your digestive tract, it's a chronic condition that causes symptoms that can impact every aspect of your life. The most common of these are recurring abdominal pain and frequent diarrhea, among others. If you are experiencing Crohn's disease or wish to know more about the condition then get in contact with your local experts in Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall, and Pembroke Pines, FL, of Digestive Medicine Associates.

What Are the Symptoms?

Abdominal pain and diarrhea are some of the earliest signs of the condition, and some of the most common ongoing symptoms. These are often accompanied by weight loss and fatigue, and physical manifestations such as mouth sores, bowel blockages, and anal fissures.

The symptoms vary in severity from one patient to another, with some experiencing only milder effects and for others, it can severely affect their everyday life.

What Causes Crohn’s Disease?

The exact cause of Crohn's disease is not yet known but many experts agree on a variety of factors that can influence whether you'll develop the condition.

Age and family history can have an impact, and so can an overactive immune system as it is what's often at the root of the condition.

It may not be possible to altogether prevent the condition but a good diet, limiting stress, and cutting out smoking can improve your overall health as well as lessen the effect of the symptoms.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Repeated symptoms alone cannot diagnose the condition but they may still be cause for concern and should be examined by your local gastroenterologist in Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall, and Pembroke Pines, FL.

Your doctor will take these symptoms into consideration along with your medical history and a physical examination. Other types of tests will further aid in providing you a proper diagnosis, tests such as a colonoscopy, endoscopy, biopsy, and other imaging exams.

How Is It Treated?

The goal of treatment will be to improve your quality of life by managing the symptoms of the condition.

A specialized diet that avoids trigger foods can help prevent these symptoms, along with prescribed medication and other therapies from your doctor. Surgery may be necessary in some cases and to repair areas of your GI tract which have been damaged.

If you need help in managing Crohn's disease schedule a consultation today with the professionals of Digestive Medicine Associates in or near the areas of Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall, and Pembroke Pines, FL, by dialing (305) 822-4107.