Crohn's Colitis

Crohn's Colitis services offered in The Woodlands, Shenandoah and Spring, TX

If you’re among the 3.1 million Americans with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis), you need personalized medical care from experts who understand your condition. At Premier General and Colorectal Surgery, leading colorectal disease specialist Junuk Kim, MD, FACS, and the team offer boutique care for inflammatory bowel disease, focusing on excellent symptom relief and quality of life. Call the Shenandoah, Texas, office or book your appointment through online scheduling now.

Crohn's Colitis Q&A

What are Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis?

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two most common types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease causes inflammation in your digestive tract. It may occur anywhere from your mouth to your anus, but it’s most common in the lower part of the small intestine and the large intestine.

With Crohn’s disease, inflammation can affect all layers of the intestinal walls. It can also affect the mesentery, the membrane that secures the intestines to your abdominal wall. The inflamed sections of tissue are interspersed with healthy tissue.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis affects the large intestine and only occurs within its inner lining. The disease usually starts toward the end of the large intestine (the rectum) and then spreads upward.

A third type of IBD, microscopic colitis, is only visible with a microscope.

What are the symptoms of Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis?

Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis can cause symptoms including:

Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Constipation
Bowel urgency
Gas
Bloating
Poor appetite and corresponding weight loss
Rectal bleeding
Mucus in stool
Fatigue
Fever
Joint pain

IBD symptoms vary with the patient. Many people experience a bout of symptoms followed by a respite for months or longer, but symptoms usually return later (a flare-up).

How are Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis treated?

Dr. Kim treats Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis according to your individual needs and the severity of your symptoms. He uses nonsurgical management tactics whenever possible, such as medication, diet changes, and lifestyle habit changes.

However, up to 45% of people with ulcerative colitis and 75% of those with Crohn’s disease need surgery.

Surgery for Crohn’s disease involves removing the diseased part of the small or large intestine and possibly the entire large intestine. Surgery for ulcerative colitis involves removing the entire large intestine.

People with IBD have a higher risk than the average person for colorectal cancer, so surgery can also be a preventive approach in that regard.

You can live a long healthy life with IBD, but to do so, you need the expertise of a compassionate colorectal disease expert. To get that caring support in a boutique environment, call Premier General & Colorectal Surgery or click on the online booking link now.