Crohn's Disease

Symptoms may be episodic or chronic, including weight loss, chronic diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, fatigue, mouth ulcers, rectal bleeding, and perianal infections. Extraintestinal symptoms include joint pain, skin rashes, eye inflammation, bone loss, kidney stones or or growth delay in children.

Crohn's disease diagnosis begins with a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Doctors review family and medical history and perform a physical examination. Blood tests are advised to assess inflammation and anaemia, while stool tests measure intestinal inflammation and rule out infections. Endoscopic procedures with biopsy and imaging studies (CT scan and MRI) are used to confirm the location, severity, and disease complications.

Crohn’s disease treatment aims to reduce inflammation and sustain remission using immunosuppressants, biologics, advanced therapies, or corticosteroids for temporary flare-ups. Supportive care includes nutritional therapy, symptom management, and antibiotics. Complications like strictures, fistulas, and blockages may be treated with surgery.

Patients visiting Manipal Hospitals for Crohn’s disease management can expect comprehensive and coordinated care. The process begins with a detailed assessment of symptoms, previous treatment history, and current disease activity. Specialists evaluate the severity, location, and complications through clinical examination and diagnostic tests.

Based on the findings, an individualised treatment plan is created. Medical therapy aims to reduce inflammation and achieve remission. Biologic therapies, immunomodulators, and anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed depending on disease behaviour and previous response to treatment. Under expert supervision, corticosteroids may be prescribed for the short-term control of flares but are avoided for long-term use because of possible side effects. Surgical intervention may be recommended when medical therapy is inadequate or complications like strictures, abscesses, or fistulas arise.

Nutritional counselling and lifestyle guidance form an important part of long-term care. Regular follow-up visits allow doctors to monitor disease activity and adjust therapy when required. With consistent treatment and multidisciplinary support, many individuals achieve stable symptom control and improved quality of life.