What Is Crohn's Disease?
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Unlike ulcerative colitis, which only affects the colon, Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, though it most commonly involves the end of the small intestine (terminal ileum) and the beginning of the colon.
The inflammation in Crohn's disease extends through the full thickness of the bowel wall and can occur in patches, with healthy segments between diseased areas (called "skip lesions"). This distinguishing feature helps differentiate it from other inflammatory conditions. Crohn's disease affects approximately 780,000 Americans and can develop at any age, though it is most frequently diagnosed between ages 15 and 35.
At Dr. Jing Tong Gastroenterology in Flushing, NY, we provide expert diagnosis, monitoring, and long-term management of Crohn's disease. Dr. Tong's training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and licensure in therapeutic endoscopy allow him to offer the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options available.
Crohn's Disease Symptoms
Persistent Abdominal Pain
Chronic Diarrhea
Blood in Stool
Unexplained Weight Loss
Fever & Fatigue
Reduced Appetite
Treatment Approach
Crohn's disease treatment goals include inducing and maintaining remission, reducing inflammation, preventing complications, and improving quality of life. Dr. Tong creates personalized treatment plans that may include:
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
5-aminosalicylates (5-ASAs), corticosteroids for acute flares, and immunomodulators such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, or methotrexate for long-term inflammation control.
Biologic Therapies
Advanced biologic agents targeting specific immune pathways including anti-TNF drugs (infliximab, adalimumab), integrin inhibitors (vedolizumab), and IL-12/23 inhibitors (ustekinumab). These medications have revolutionized Crohn's disease treatment.
Endoscopic Monitoring & Intervention
Regular colonoscopy for disease monitoring, stricture dilation, and assessment of mucosal healing. Dr. Tong's therapeutic endoscopy expertise enables advanced interventional procedures.
Nutritional Support
Dietary counseling and nutritional supplementation to address malabsorption, vitamin deficiencies, and maintain optimal nutrition during disease flares and remission.
Why Choose Dr. Jing Tong for Crohn's Disease?
Johns Hopkins Trained
Advanced training in IBD management from one of the world's leading gastroenterology programs.
Therapeutic Endoscopy
Licensed for advanced endoscopic procedures including stricture dilation and disease monitoring.
Multilingual Care
Clear communication in Mandarin, Shanghainese, and English for optimal disease management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes Crohn's disease?
The exact cause is unknown, but Crohn's disease results from a combination of genetic predisposition, immune system dysfunction, and environmental triggers. It is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy intestinal tissue.
Can Crohn's disease be cured?
There is currently no cure for Crohn's disease, but modern treatments can achieve and maintain remission for extended periods. With proper management, most patients can lead active, fulfilling lives. The goal is mucosal healing and long-term remission.
How is Crohn's disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a combination of blood tests, stool studies, colonoscopy with biopsy, and imaging studies such as CT or MRI enterography. Dr. Tong uses comprehensive evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and assess disease extent.
Will I need surgery for Crohn's disease?
While up to 70% of Crohn's patients may eventually need surgery, modern biologic therapies have significantly reduced surgical rates. Dr. Tong focuses on optimal medical management to prevent complications that require surgical intervention.
Does Crohn's disease increase cancer risk?
Long-standing Crohn's disease affecting the colon may slightly increase colorectal cancer risk. Regular surveillance colonoscopies are recommended to detect any precancerous changes early. Dr. Tong develops appropriate monitoring schedules for each patient.
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Get Expert Crohn's Disease Care
Early diagnosis and proper management are key. Schedule your consultation at our Flushing office today.