Crohn’s Disease Specialist
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Jeffrey S Aronoff, MD
Colorectal Surgeon located in Midtown East in New York, New York, NY
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease with serious effects, such as chronic abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. At Jeffrey S. Aronoff, MD, PC, in Midtown East, Manhattan, Dr. Aronoff offers personalized treatment for Crohn’s disease to help you get into remission and live your healthiest life. Call the New York City office or click the online scheduling tool to get help from a top-notch colorectal specialist.
Crohn’s Disease Q&A
What is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease. This chronic condition causes inflammation anywhere in your gastrointestinal tract, typically at the end of your small intestine and the start of your large intestine.
Crohn’s disease inflammation usually occurs in patches, leaving healthy tissue between areas of badly inflamed tissue. This disease can cause a number of uncomfortable and stressful problems, which usually occur in flare-ups followed by periods of remission.
What causes Crohn’s disease?
The cause isn’t certain. But, research indicates a few different contributing factors, including immune system problems and genetics.
Risk factors for Crohn’s disease include being 30 or younger, cigarette smoking, Caucasian race, and taking medications like antibiotics for long periods.
What are the symptoms of Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease symptoms may vary, but most patients experience at least some of the following issues.
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Diarrhea
- Pressure in abdomen
- Weight loss
- Exhaustion
- Fever
- Bloody stool
- Anal drainage
- Nausea and vomiting
- Joint pain
- Rashes
In severe Crohn’s disease cases, you can develop narrowed intestines (strictures), intestinal blockages, abnormal tissue tunneling through and out of the intestine (fistulas), abscesses, bowel perforation, and other serious problems.
How do you treat Crohn’s disease?
Dr. Aronoff customizes your Crohn’s disease treatment. Depending on your symptoms and how serious the disease is, you may need one or more of the following medications.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids
- Immunomodulators
- Biologic therapies
- Antibiotics, if you have fistulas or anal drainage
- Anti-diarrheal drugs
For some patients, nutrition changes like eating a low-fiber diet can help with Crohn’s symptoms, especially in conjunction with medication therapies.
If conservative treatments like medication aren’t successful for you, Dr. Aronoff may recommend surgery. Almost 50% of Crohn’s disease sufferers need surgery at some point.
During surgery, Dr. Aronoff removes the damaged parts of your intestine and then connects the healthy portions to restore a fully functional digestive tract that’s not inflamed. Some Crohn’s surgery uses minimally invasive methods, while other surgeries are more complex.
At Jeffrey S. Aronoff, MD, PC, you can count on Crohn’s disease care with the utmost compassion and expertise. Dr. Aronoff offers every type of care on-site, from conservative to surgical care, so don’t wait to get help. Call the office or book your appointment online today.
