A LONG-TERM INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
Crohn's Disease
A chronic inflammatory disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract, causing diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weight loss and complications. Managed with specialist long-term care.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition that can affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus, although it most commonly involves the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. Unlike ulcerative colitis, the inflammation extends through the full thickness of the bowel wall and can occur in patches. Typical features include persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping (often in the lower right abdomen), weight loss, tiredness, reduced appetite, and sometimes fever. Complications include strictures, fistulas, abscesses, malnutrition and joint, skin or eye problems. The condition follows a pattern of flare-ups and remission throughout life. Treatment is complex and includes anti-inflammatory therapy, immune-modifying therapy, biological therapy in selected cases, nutritional support and surgery when needed. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides initial evaluation, co-management with gastroenterology and long-term medical care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Abnormal immune response in genetically susceptible individuals
- Family history of inflammatory bowel disease
- Smoking — strongly worsens Crohn's disease
- Environmental triggers and altered gut bacteria
- Western dietary patterns
- Stress and infections may worsen flare-ups but are not direct causes
- Onset most common in adolescents and young adults
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Endoscopy with biopsies, imaging (MRI, CT) and blood and stool tests
Can affect any part of the gut, often in patches
Anti-inflammatory therapy, immune-modifying therapy, biological therapy and surgery
Strongly worsens Crohn's disease — quitting is essential
Strictures, fistulas, abscesses and malnutrition
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad — co-managed with specialist gastroenterology
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Specialist Co-Management with Long-Term Therapy
The most effective approach combines specialist gastroenterology input with long-term medical management — anti-inflammatory therapy, immune-modifying therapy, biological therapy in selected cases, nutritional support, smoking cessation and surgery when needed. Regular monitoring is essential.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms, examines the patient, arranges blood and stool tests and refers for endoscopy, imaging and specialist evaluation.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created in coordination with gastroenterology, with strategies for flare-ups, maintenance and complications.
- 3
Medical Management
Anti-inflammatory therapy, immune-modifying therapy, biological therapy in selected cases, nutritional support and management of complications.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Long-term follow-up with monitoring of disease activity, side effects, complications and quality of life.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Anti-Inflammatory Therapy
Specific anti-inflammatory medication is used to control flare-ups and maintain remission in many patients.
Immune-Modifying Therapy
Immune-modifying medication is used in selected patients with more severe or steroid-dependent disease.
Biological Therapy in Selected Cases (Referral for gastroenterology)
Biological therapy is highly effective for moderate to severe Crohn's disease, initiated and monitored under specialist care.
Nutritional Support
Dietary advice, addressing nutritional deficiencies, iron supplementation and structured nutritional support play important roles.
Surgery for Complications (Referral for surgical evaluation)
Surgery is needed for complications such as strictures, fistulas, abscesses or disease unresponsive to medical therapy.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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