Pediatric Crohn's disease treatment in Illinois and Indiana

Pediatric Crohn’s Disease Care

More than three-quarters of a million people in the U.S. have Crohn’s disease, with over 30,000 new cases diagnosed each year. If your child experiences inflammation and irritation of the digestive tract, our board-certified pediatric gastroenterologists can help. Call (708) 581-4911 or make an appointment online today at any of our five area locations.

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What Is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease and a chronic condition that causes parts of the gastrointestinal tract to become red and swollen. While Crohn’s can affect any part of the bowel, it’s most commonly found at the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. As a lifelong condition, Crohn’s requires ongoing management to keep symptoms under control and support healthy growth and development.

What Are the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?

The most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease are diarrhea and intense abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include:

  • Bloody stool
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fever
  • Exhaustion
  • Sores and drainage
  • Weight loss

How Is Crohn’s Disease Diagnosed?

No single test diagnoses Crohn’s disease. When you bring your child to our practice, the doctor reviews their medical history and symptoms and performs a combination of tests to rule out other disorders and confirm a diagnosis. These may include:

Blood Tests

Blood tests help rule out anemia and check for signs of infection.

Fecal Occult Blood Test

Your child’s stool sample is tested for hidden blood.

Colonoscopy

Using a thin, flexible, lighted tube with a camera, the physician examines your child’s entire colon and takes small tissue samples to help confirm a diagnosis. Learn more about our pediatric colonoscopy services.

Computerized Tomography (CT)

CT scans provide detailed images of your child’s entire bowel and surrounding tissues.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images, which are especially useful for evaluating the anal area and small intestine.

How Is Crohn’s Disease Treated?

Because there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, the goal of treatment is to reduce and relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and stop future flare-ups. Our pediatric gastroenterologists treat Crohn’s disease with:

Medications

These may include anti-inflammatory drugs as well as immunosuppressive and biologic agents.

Diet Changes

Nutrition therapy gives your child’s bowel a chance to heal.

Surgery

Surgery may be recommended if the bowel develops a hole or becomes blocked, if a fistula forms, if bleeding does not stop, or if symptoms do not respond to other treatments.

Crohn’s disease is part of a broader group of conditions known as inflammatory bowel disease, which also includes ulcerative colitis. Explore all of our pediatric GI services to learn more.

To get expert care for your child’s Crohn’s disease, call (708) 581-4911 or make an appointment online today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?

Both are types of inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract and involves the full thickness of the bowel wall, while ulcerative colitis affects only the inner lining of the colon. A pediatric gastroenterologist can determine which condition your child has through testing.

What are the first signs of Crohn’s disease in children?

Early signs often include diarrhea and intense abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include bloody stool, nausea or vomiting, fever, fatigue, and weight loss. If your child has these symptoms, an evaluation by a specialist is recommended.

How is Crohn’s disease diagnosed?

Because no single test confirms Crohn’s disease, our providers use a combination of blood tests, stool tests, colonoscopy, and imaging such as CT or MRI to reach an accurate diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Can Crohn’s disease be cured?

There is currently no cure for Crohn’s disease. However, with proper treatment, symptoms can be managed effectively, flare-ups can be reduced, and children can lead full, active lives.

What treatments are available for children with Crohn’s disease?

Treatment typically includes medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressive agents, and biologics, along with nutrition therapy. In certain cases, surgery may be necessary. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual child.

Does Crohn’s disease affect my child’s growth?

Yes, Crohn’s disease can affect growth and development, which is why early diagnosis and ongoing management are so important. Our team monitors your child’s nutrition and growth as part of their overall care.

Which locations treat Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease is managed at all five of our locations: Evergreen Park, Naperville, Elmhurst, and Romeoville in Illinois, or Highland, Indiana. Call (708) 581-4911 to schedule.