What Is Crohn's Disease?
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Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. It most commonly involves the end of the small intestine (terminal ileum) and the colon. Unlike ulcerative colitis, which is limited to the colon's inner lining, Crohn's disease can affect all layers of the bowel wall and may cause complications such as strictures, fistulas, and abscesses.
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Crohn's Disease Symptoms​​
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Persistent diarrhea, often with blood or mucus
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Abdominal cramping and pain, especially in the lower right abdomen
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Fatigue and unintentional weight loss
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Reduced appetite and nausea
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Fever during active flares
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Perianal complications: fissures, fistulas, or abscesses
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Extraintestinal manifestations: joint pain, eye inflammation, skin rashes
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Diagnosing Crohn's Disease
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​Diagnosis involves a combination of blood work (including inflammatory markers such as CRP and fecal calprotectin), colonoscopy with biopsy, and imaging studies (MRI or CT enterography) to evaluate the small bowel. Our gastroenterologists have extensive experience in IBD diagnosis and use the latest diagnostic tools to characterize disease location, extent, and behavior.​
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Crohn's Disease Treatment
Treatment is aimed at inducing and maintaining remission and preventing complications. Options are chosen based on disease severity, location, and patient factors. They include: aminosalicylates (for mild disease), immunomodulators (azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate), biologic therapies (anti-TNF agents such as infliximab and adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab), and small molecule therapies. We offer in-office infusions for patients on IV biologic medications.
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Colon Cancer Surveillance in Crohn's Disease
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Patients with Crohn's disease affecting the colon have an elevated risk of colorectal cancer and require surveillance colonoscopy at intervals determined by disease duration and extent. Our physicians will recommend a personalized surveillance schedule for each patient.​
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Book a Crohn's Disease Consultation in NJ — Call (908) 851-2770 or Schedule Online