Crohn's disease

Question 1

What are tests like colonoscopy or imaging actually looking for?

Accepted Answer

Crohn's disease causes long-lasting swelling in the digestive tract. It most often affects the small intestine. It can also affect the start of the large intestine. Over time, problems can develop. These include intestinal obstruction — a blockage in the intestine. They also include fistulas — abnormal connections inside the body. Abscesses are pus-filled pockets of infection. Open sores called ulcers can form too. Tests help your care team find where the swelling is. They also check if these problems have developed. Ask your care team what your test is designed to check.

Question 2

What are these tests like colonoscopy or imaging looking for in my diagnosis and care?

Accepted Answer

Your doctor orders tests to confirm Crohn's disease, see how severe the inflammation is, and rule out other conditions. Endoscopy tests — where a doctor uses a flexible tube with a tiny camera — are the most accurate way to diagnose Crohn's disease. A colonoscopy (a test that looks inside the large intestine with a small camera) checks your rectum, colon, and the lower part of your small intestine. A capsule endoscopy uses a tiny camera inside a pill that you swallow. Your doctor may take small tissue samples, called biopsies, during these tests. Blood tests check for signs of anemia and inflammation. Stool tests look for inflammation and rule out infections. Imaging tests — including CT scans, MRI, and an upper GI series that uses a liquid called barium — give your doctor pictures of your digestive tract. Ask your care team what each test is checking for in your case.

Question 3

What is Crohn's disease and how might it affect my body now that I've been diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Crohn's disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation — swelling and irritation — inside your digestive tract. It can affect any part of the tract, from your mouth to your anus, but it most often involves your small intestine. Researchers think an abnormal immune reaction, where the immune system attacks bacteria in the intestines, drives this inflammation. Common symptoms include diarrhea, cramping and pain in your belly, and weight loss. You may also have fatigue, fever, joint pain, anemia, or changes in your skin and eyes. When symptoms flare up, it is called a flare; when they ease, it is called remission. Over time, the disease can lead to complications such as intestinal blockages, fistulas (abnormal tunnels between organs), or malnutrition. There is no cure, but treatments can reduce inflammation, ease symptoms, and help prevent complications. Your care team can work with you to find a plan that fits your needs.

Question 4

What is Crohn's disease and how will it affect my body now that I've been diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Crohn's disease is a long-lasting disease. It causes inflammation — swelling and irritation — in your digestive tract. It can affect any part of the tract, from your mouth to your anus. Most often, it affects your small intestine and the start of your large intestine. Researchers think an autoimmune reaction may be one cause. That means your immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake. Genes may also play a role. Crohn's can run in families. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, belly pain and cramping, and weight loss. Other symptoms can include fatigue, fever, joint pain, nausea, and skin changes. Stress and certain foods, like carbonated drinks or high-fiber foods, do not cause the disease. But they can make symptoms worse for some people. Over time, Crohn's can cause other problems. These include intestinal blockages, fistulas — abnormal tunnels between body tissues — abscesses, and poor nutrition. Talk to your care team about what to watch for and how to protect your health.

Question 5

What's the difference between a flare and remission, and what symptoms might I experience during a flare?

Accepted Answer

Crohn's disease symptoms can vary based on where the swelling is and how severe it is. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, cramping and pain in your belly, and weight loss. Other possible symptoms include fatigue, fever, joint pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. Some people also notice eye redness or skin changes, like red tender bumps. Stress and certain foods — such as carbonated drinks and high-fiber foods — may make symptoms worse for some people. Let your care team know if anything changes.

Question 6

What's the difference between a flare and remission, and what symptoms might I notice during a flare?

Accepted Answer

Crohn's disease often moves between two phases: flares and remission. A flare is when symptoms are active. Remission is when symptoms disappear — and it can last weeks or even years. During a flare, the most common symptoms are diarrhea, cramping and pain in your belly, and weight loss. Other symptoms can include feeling tired, fever, nausea or loss of appetite, joint pain, and eye redness or pain. The goal of treatment is to lower inflammation, prevent flares, and keep you in remission long term. Talk to your care team if you notice symptoms coming back.

Question 7

How can I get support with insurance coverage, prior authorization, or affording my biologic medication?

Accepted Answer

Crohn's disease is a long-lasting condition. It causes inflammation in your digestive tract. Treatment is ongoing. That can make cost and coverage a real concern. Talk to your care team about insurance or medicine costs. They can help you find support options that fit your situation.

Question 8

How should I take my medication, what should I do if I miss a dose, and what can I expect?

Accepted Answer

Crohn's disease is a chronic — long-lasting — condition that causes inflammation in your digestive tract. It most often affects the small intestine and the start of the large intestine. Because Crohn's can vary a lot from person to person, treatment is individualized. Your care team is the right guide for how and when to take your medicine. If you miss a dose, reach out to your care team rather than making a change on your own. They can also explain what to expect as your treatment begins.

Question 9

How should I take my medication, when should I take it, and what should I do if I miss a dose?

Accepted Answer

Which medicine is right for you depends on your symptoms, where Crohn's disease is causing inflammation, and other personal factors. Because no single treatment works for every person, your care team builds a plan that fits you. Medicines do not cure Crohn's disease, but they can reduce inflammation and help bring on and maintain remission — a time when your symptoms disappear. Your care team sets your timing and schedule; follow their instructions closely. If you miss a dose, reach out to your care team rather than adjusting on your own. Before taking any over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, check with your care team first. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin — can make your symptoms worse and should be avoided unless your care team tells you otherwise.

Question 10

Where can I find support with insurance coverage, prior authorization, or paying for my biologic medication?

Accepted Answer

Talk with your care team about insurance and cost questions. They are the right starting point for prior authorization help. Biologics are medicines used to treat Crohn's disease. They reduce inflammation — swelling — in your digestive tract. Many people with Crohn's disease need medicines. These medicines often work by calming your immune system. No single treatment works for everyone. Your doctor picks your medicine based on your symptoms and other factors. The goal is to keep your disease quiet long term. Ask your care team what options exist for coverage and cost support.

Question 11

Why was I prescribed a biologic, and what should I expect from an infusion or injection?

Accepted Answer

A biologic is a medicine for Crohn's disease, prescribed to reduce inflammation—swelling and irritation—in your digestive tract. Crohn's involves an abnormal immune reaction that causes this inflammation. Many Crohn's medicines work by reducing immune system activity to lower that inflammation. The goals are to ease your symptoms, prevent flares, and reach remission. Remission is a time when symptoms ease or disappear, and it can last weeks or years. Medicines cannot cure Crohn's, but they can bring on and maintain remission. No single treatment works for everyone. Your care team chose this medicine based on your symptoms and where your inflammation is. Ask them what to expect from your treatment and how it will be given.

Question 12

Why was I started on a biologic, and what should I expect from an infusion or injection?

Accepted Answer

Crohn's disease is a long-lasting condition. It causes swelling in your digestive tract. It usually affects your small intestine and the start of your large intestine. Researchers think the immune system may attack healthy cells. This is called an autoimmune reaction. Without treatment, Crohn's can cause problems. These include blockages, infections called abscesses, and malnutrition. Your care team chose your treatment based on your needs. Ask them what your medicine involves and what to expect.

Question 13

What questions should I ask my doctor before starting or changing my treatment?

Accepted Answer

Knowing what to ask helps you take an active role in your care. The goals of treatment are to lower inflammation, prevent flares — times when symptoms return — and keep you in remission, meaning a time when symptoms ease. Medicines do not cure Crohn's disease, but they can reduce inflammation and help bring on remission. No single treatment works for every person. Your doctor chooses options based on your symptoms and where in your digestive tract the inflammation is. Ask what each medicine is designed to do and how you will know whether it is working. Ask what the next step would be if a medicine stops helping. Ask how diet changes or nutritional supplements might fit into your plan. Always let your doctor know about any over-the-counter medicines or supplements you take, since some can make symptoms worse.

Question 14

What questions should I ask my doctor before starting or switching to a new treatment?

Accepted Answer

Writing questions before your visit helps you and your care team make a good plan. Crohn's disease is a chronic, or long-lasting, illness. It can affect any part of your digestive tract. Symptoms vary by where the inflammation is and how severe it is. Ask which area of your gut is affected. Ask how the treatment targets that area. Crohn's can also lead to complications. These include intestinal blockages, fistulas (abnormal tunnels in the body), and malnutrition. Ask what warning signs should prompt you to call your care team right away. Some medicines may make Crohn's symptoms worse. These include certain pain relievers, antibiotics, and birth-control pills. Tell your doctor about everything you currently take. Stress and certain foods can also worsen symptoms. Ask if any lifestyle changes should go with the new treatment. Write your questions down so nothing gets missed.

Question 15

Which foods might help or trigger my symptoms, and how does diet play a role in managing my condition?

Accepted Answer

Food does not cause Crohn's disease, but certain foods can make your symptoms worse. Carbonated (fizzy) drinks and high-fiber foods are two examples that bother some people. A high-fat diet may also slightly raise your risk of the disease. Your small intestine does most of the digesting, so when Crohn's affects it, your body may not get enough vitamins — a condition called malnutrition. Everyone's triggers are different, so ask your care team or a dietitian what may work best for you.

Question 16

Which foods might help or worsen my symptoms, and how does diet play a role in managing my condition?

Accepted Answer

Diet does not cause Crohn's disease, but some foods can affect how you feel. Carbonated drinks and high-fiber foods, like nuts and popcorn, may worsen symptoms for some people. When Crohn's causes inflammation in the small intestine, your body may absorb fewer nutrients. Medicines and surgery for Crohn's can also reduce nutrient absorption. Not getting enough nutrients can lead to malnutrition. A food diary can help you and your care team spot foods that seem to trigger your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend supplements if your body is not absorbing enough nutrients. Ask your care team about an eating plan that fits your needs.

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