Crohn's Disease Specialist
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David Magner, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Board-Certified Colorectal Surgeon located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crohn’s disease is a painful, lifelong inflammatory bowel disease. Although no cure exists, David Magner, MD, FACS, FASCRS in Beverly Hills, California relies on his expertise in laparoscopic colorectal surgery to diagnose and treat patients with Crohn’s disease. Dr. Magner focuses on minimally invasive, patient-centered medicine to minimize any operation needed and get you back to feeling well as soon as possible. If you think you might have Crohn’s disease, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Crohn's Disease Q & A
What is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is a painful and debilitating inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of your digestive tract. Men and women with Crohn’s disease suffer severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition.
The inflammation caused by Crohn’s often spreads deep into the affected tissue of the digestive tract and can sometimes lead to serious, life-threatening complications. Inflammation can occur anywhere in the digestive system from the mouth to the anus, but commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine called the ileum.
Crohn’s disease has no cure, but medical treatment and therapies are enormously effective at reducing the symptoms.
With proper treatment, long-term remission from the crippling pain of Crohn’s disease is possible. Although the disease never goes away completely, many men and women who seek treatment for Crohn’s can enjoy their lives.
What are the symptoms of Crohn’s disease?
Many people with Crohn’s disease suffer from stomach cramps, diarrhea, or constipation. These symptoms cause discomfort but might not seem dangerous to many because they’re common.
It’s tempting to forget about the symptoms once they pass. But if you experience these symptoms often, you might have Crohn’s. Common symptoms include:
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Rectal bleeding
- Fever
- Urgent need to use the bathroom
If your symptoms are severe, it’s imperative to see a doctor. If you do have Crohn’s, the symptoms may escalate into life-threatening conditions without medical care.
How do you get Crohn’s disease?
The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is still unknown, but some factors probably influence your likelihood of getting it.
Immune system
It’s possible that viral or bacterial infections trigger Crohn’s disease. While your immune system fights off the invading germs, an abnormal immune response may cause your body to attack its healthy cells in the digestive tract.
Heredity
Crohn’s is more likely to occur in people who have family members with the disease. However, many people with Crohn’s disease don’t have a family history of it. If you have a family member with Crohn’s, you are at higher risk of getting the disease.
How does a colorectal surgeon treat Crohn’s disease?
Before diagnosing Crohn’s, Dr. Magner first evaluates your symptoms to rule out any other possible causes. A combination of tests including blood tests, colonoscopy, or other imaging tests helps confirm your diagnosis.
Depending on the severity of the condition or symptoms, your treatment might involve taking medications and following a special diet. Dr. Magner might also prescribe medications to help with your condition such as anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, or immune system suppressors.
If your symptoms fail to improve with medications and nutritional therapy, Dr. Magner may suggest surgery to remove a damaged portion of your digestive tract or to treat infection. Nearly 50% of men and women with Crohn’s disease need at least one surgery to treat their condition throughout their lives.
