Unfortunately, there’s no “cure” yet for Crohn’s. It’s a chronic condition, meaning it lasts a lifetime. However, there is good news: With the right medical care, it can be managed quite effectively.
Our treatment goal at Hudson River Gastroenterology is to help prevent Crohn’s from overwhelming your day-to-day routine, allowing you to live a full and active life.
Board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Prem Chattoo begins with an accurate diagnosis and then develops a comprehensive treatment strategy that may include medications, dietary changes, and recommendations for managing stress.
Here’s more information from our team about Crohn’s disease, what causes it, and the treatments that can help.
Crohn’s is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. An autoimmune response to a faulty, overactive immune system triggers the inflammation associated with Crohn’s.
Typically, inflammation in the gut is a byproduct of your immune system attacking health-threatening germs. Once the germs are gone, the inflammation resolves, and your digestive system returns to normal.
Unfortunately, when Crohn’s disease is active, the inflammation persists. This is because the overactive immune response attacks healthy cells or beneficial organisms. For instance, Crohn’s may attack the bacteria that help protect gut health.
Crohn’s disease affects people differently and can range from mild to severe, with flare-ups occurring at unpredictable times.
Symptoms of a flare may include:
Crohn’s disease may also be associated with kidney stones, skin rashes, joint pain, eye inflammation (uveitis), and other nongastrointestinal issues.
At this time, there’s no known cure for Crohn’s disease. Current treatments focus on controlling symptoms, reducing inflammation, and achieving remission (a period where symptoms are minimal or even absent).
It’s important to note that “no cure” doesn’t mean “no hope.” Advances in treatment over the last several decades have been remarkable. Medications, dietary guidance, lifestyle adjustments, and sometimes surgical interventions allow many people to keep Crohn’s well under control.
Treatment plans are tailored to each patient, since no two cases of Crohn’s are exactly alike. You may benefit from:
With consistent care, many individuals with Crohn’s disease enjoy long stretches of remission. This means fewer symptoms, more energy, and a better quality of life.
The key is building a partnership with a trusted gastroenterology team that understands your unique needs and can adjust your care plan as your condition changes.
Schedule a visit with Dr. Prem Chattoo today. We’re located in Lower Manhattan and the Financial District of New York City, New York. Call or request an appointment online.
