Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation throughout the gastrointestinal tract, which runs from the mouth to the anus. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can be ongoing diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody stools, constipation, fever, skin rashes, joint pain, fatigue, and appetite loss.
While it is unclear on what exactly causes the disease, there is also no single test that can diagnose it either. Before a patient is diagnosed with Crohn’s, they usually have to go through multiple tests in order for doctors to confirm the condition.
These tests include blood tests, stool tests, imaging tests, and endoscopy. Before patients undergo a test for Crohn’s disease, they should check with a doctor first so they know what to expect and are aware of the risks and benefits for each test.
After a diagnosis, doctors will recommend and prescribe the best treatment for the patient. These treatments can include medication, diet changes, or surgery. After a diagnosis, doctors will then monitor the condition with regular follow ups. These follow ups can include blood tests that check for any infection, inflammation, liver enzymes and electrolyte status.
Read more about how doctors test for Crohn’s disease
