What is Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, incurable inflammatory disease of the digestive tract that often occurs in flare-ups and can cause severe pain. The inflammation prevents the intestine from properly absorbing essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12 or zinc. Over time the affected area can develop fistulas and scarring lesions that narrow the intestine, increasing the risk of abscesses and obstruction. It most often affects the last part of the small intestine and the colon, but any area from the mouth to the rectum can be involved.

What are the symptoms of Crohn’s disease?

The first symptoms of Crohn’s disease usually appear in childhood or adolescence and often involve abdominal cramps followed by diarrhoea containing blood and mucus. Other symptoms can include weight loss caused by difficulty absorbing nutrients, severe fatigue due to nutritional deficiencies, and fever. The disease can also cause symptoms outside the digestive system, affecting the eyes, skin or joints, and mouth ulcers may also occur.

How is Crohn’s disease diagnosed?

Crohn’s disease is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms vary from person to person and the disease can sometimes develop silently. Diagnosis usually begins with a blood sample to check for inflammation in the body. If inflammation is present, a colonoscopy is carried out, in which a tube fitted with a camera is inserted through the anus to examine the rectum, colon and the last part of the small intestine, allowing the severity of any lesions to be assessed and a biopsy to be taken. A gastroscopy may be added if the upper digestive system is also affected.

Why are regular check-ups important for people with Crohn’s disease?

People with Crohn’s disease are at risk of developing other conditions over the years, and the risk of colorectal cancer is fairly high. For this reason, preventive colonoscopies are carried out regularly, generally every one or two years. Living well with the condition relies on adapting lifestyle and medication under medical supervision.

What is indigestion and what are its symptoms?

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, occurs when the digestive system struggles to process food efficiently. Symptoms vary from person to person but often include bloating or a sense of fullness, upper abdominal pain or discomfort, heartburn or acid reflux, nausea or belching, and a sour taste in the mouth. It typically lasts a few hours but can persist longer depending on the cause.

How long does indigestion last and when should you see a doctor?

Most cases of indigestion resolve within a few hours, especially with the right care and remedies. However, persistent or recurring indigestion could signal an underlying condition such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, ulcers or gallbladder problems. If symptoms last more than a day, worsen over time, or are accompanied by weight loss, vomiting or black stools, you should seek medical attention promptly.

What causes Crohn’s disease and who is at risk?

The exact causes of Crohn’s disease are not yet known, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is thought to influence its onset. Certain factors can increase the risk, including smoking, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that weaken the intestinal wall, infections and excessive hygiene in infancy. Stress is not a trigger but can aggravate flare-ups.

What treatments are available for Crohn’s disease?

Although there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, several therapies can help people live with the condition by calming symptoms and reducing inflammation. The main medications include corticosteroids used briefly as anti-inflammatories during relapses, immunomodulators that reduce the immune system’s reaction, and biotherapy, which uses artificial antibodies and is generally reserved for people who do not respond to other treatments. Surgery may also be performed in the case of a hernia, abscess, fistula or a risk of intestinal obstruction.

Gastroenterologist in Switzerland: book an appointment online

Dr. med. Tom Michael Ganten

Gastroenterologist

Gastroklinik - Giesshübelstrasse
Giesshübelstrasse 45
8045 Zürich

Accepts new patients

Modify your search

Specialties

Practitioners

Institutions

Gastroenterologist in Switzerland: book an appointment online today

What is Crohn’s disease?

What are the symptoms of Crohn’s disease?

How is Crohn’s disease diagnosed?

Why are regular check-ups important for people with Crohn’s disease?

What is indigestion and what are its symptoms?

How long does indigestion last and when should you see a doctor?

What causes Crohn’s disease and who is at risk?

What treatments are available for Crohn’s disease?

Download the OneDoc app

Find an expertise

Find another specialty

Related searches

Popular searches

Find practitioners

OneDoc

Languages

Find an expertise

Find another specialty

Related searches

Popular searches