Crohn's Disease in Denver, CO
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Find a ProviderWhat is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is nested within the category of conditions referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This disease causes painful inflammation of the digestive system. The disease most often involves the small bowel and colon, but it can impact any area of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from the mouth to the anus. Crohn’s disease is unique from the alternate form of IBD called ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s disease can affect the entire intestinal wall and often extends into even deeper parts of the involved intestinal tissue. This GI affliction is often excessively uncomfortable and in many cases can develop into even more grave complications. If you or a loved one suffer from the implications of Crohn’s disease, we implore you to reach out to Colorado Gastroenterology. Our board-certified GI specialists in Denver, CO are dedicated to helping people increase their quality of life with proven treatment regimens.
What causes Crohn's disease?
The specific source of Crohn’s disease has yet to be discovered. There are, however, a few variables that appear to influence the onset of Crohn’s disease and its difficulties.
- Genetics: You could inherit genetic material from a parent/or parents that make you more likely at risk of being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. As many as 20% of people with Crohn’s disease are related to someone who also has the condition or another inflammatory bowel disease. It is most often found in people between the ages of 20 and 30.
- Immune system: It is possible that internal viruses or bacteria can activate Crohn’s disease. When the body stimulates the immune system to combat a bacteria or virus, an abnormal immune system reaction can attack the cells found in the digestive system as well. As a result, parts of the small intestine, as well as the colon, become inflamed.
To learn more about the causes of Crohn's disease, contact our GI specialists at Colorado Gastroenterology.
How is Crohn’s disease treated?
There is, as of now, no cure for Crohn’s disease, and treatment will vary from person to person. The main objectives of Crohn’s disease treatments are to manage the swelling that triggers symptoms, and then to achieve and maintain remission. The best-case scenario is that the disease will go into long-term remission in a patient who receives proper care. Crohn’s disease may be treated with any one, or multiple, of the listed treatment options:
Antibiotics: Antibiotics can help kill bacteria that trigger the atypical immune system response that causes inflammation. These are not a mainstay of therapy, but may be used in conjunction with other therapies.
Anti-inflammatory medications: Corticosteroids or steroids may be applied to manage inflammation during the process of implementing a long-term treatment option. Corticosteroids assist in the reduction of swelling in one's body and can be utilized in conjunction with immune system suppressants.
Long-term anti-inflammatory therapies: These medications address the body’s inappropriate immune reaction to bacteria and viruses. A partial list of the immunosuppressant medications a Colorado Gastroenterology gastroenterologist could prescribe include: azathioprine, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, methotrexate, natalizumab, vedolizumab, and ustekinumab.
Diet: Your gastroenterologist may recommend special nutritional protocols to help with symptoms and aid in reaching remission.
Surgery: Sometimes patients with Crohn’s disease might need surgery to correct blockages, fistulas, infection, or bleeding if medication is not performing as hoped. Still, others could require surgery to extract the damaged section of the intestine.
Medications for symptoms: Specific supplements and medications might also be recommended to help manage Crohn’s disease symptoms. These could include:
- Vitamin B-12 shots
- Iron supplements
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements
- Anti-diarrheals
Help is available for Crohn's disease in Denver, CO. Contact Colorado Gastroenterology today to find out more about possible treatments.
Can Crohn’s disease be fatal?
Crohn’s disease is not a fatal disease. However, if not addressed properly, over time, someone with Crohn’s disease could develop health complications that could be fatal. Colorado Gastroenterology has several clinical trials and care programs in the process to help address the symptoms and improve the lives of those living with Crohn’s disease.
Expert care for Crohn's disease
Here at Colorado Gastroenterology, we empathize with the impact Crohn’s disease can have on your general well-being and day-to-day life. Our board-certified gastroenterologists specialize in treating gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn’s disease and we are committed to providing expert, personalized care to every one of our patients. To connect with a physician in Denver, CO who can help you with Crohn’s disease, we urge you to contact Colorado Gastroenterology today.
Crohn's Disease FAQs
How is Crohn’s disease detected?
Diagnosing Crohn’s disease may be performed by using one or more tests. Our Colorado Gastroenterology team may start the diagnostic process by learning about your medical history, the signs and symptoms you have experienced, and any familial history of IBD or Crohn's. After conducting a physical exam, they may prescribe endoscopic procedures (such as a colonoscopy and an EGD) and lab testing of blood and stool samples. MRIs, CT scans, and additional diagnostic imaging may also be utilized to diagnose Crohn's disease.
Is Crohn’s disease progressive?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, long-term medical condition that can differ from patient to patient. Though the symptoms of this disease may range from mild to acute, the degree of severity can also vary. Crohn's is a condition that can worsen over time, and flares might develop.
Can Crohn’s disease be cured?
There is no known cure for Crohn’s disease at this time. In some cases, the disorder might be in remission when it is not in an active state. Undergoing Crohn's disease treatment and working to reduce inflammation may help manage the disease and alleviate its effects.
Do dietary factors affect Crohn’s disease?
Dietary factors do not seem to cause Crohn’s disease. Some foods may trigger flare-ups of Crohn's disease or certain types of effects; however, these can differ from patient to patient. Talk with your gastrointestinal specialist about any potential dietary modifications you might adopt to help ease the symptoms of Crohn's disease.
Maintaining wellness with treatment
Reliable treatment to keep your Crohn's disease at a manageable level is available when you schedule an appointment with the GI physicians at Colorado Gastroenterology. Connect with our office in Denver, CO today to receive the treatment required so that you can live life without worry of a serious flare-up. We look forward to treating you.
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Dr Trouillot is the best. Very attentive, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to. Highly recommend
Dr. Sieja listed to what I had to say. Scheduled appointments for me the very next day, in order to get to the root of my problem. I am thankful for having him as my doctor.
Doctor Rufner isn't just great he's amazing! Very thorough, derailed, took the time to explain things in great detail, didn't rush at all just simply amazing. You can tell he really cares and has compassion for me as a patient. I also noticed he was trying to take more of the natural approach of healing instead of expecting a medication to mask everything. I really wish all doctors now days were as organized and patient as he is. In this day in age it's very hard to find good care, I feel I have truly gotten extremely lucky
Dr.Rufner is a very knowledgeable and caring doctor. He listens , explains ( often with drawings) his diagnosis and answers questions. He also addresses concerns. He never rushes an appointment. A few times (when I was unable to schedule an appointment ) he called me to discuss my problem. I would highly recommend Dr. Ruffner.
Dr. Rufner not only provided great care but I left feeling hope for the first time in years. He takes the time to listen and answer all questions and I never once felt rushed. While I’m still going through my care plan with him, just leaving with hope is enough for me to recommend him.
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