Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are inflammatory bowel diseases
Patients who have ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can rely on our Plano gastroenterologist, Michael Weisberg MD, for compassionate care and treatment. Dr. Weisberg is not only an experienced expert in the diagnosis and treatment of these inflammatory bowel diseases, but he is also very involved with the North Texas Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
Crohn’s disease can involve inflammation throughout the digestive tract, but it primarily affects the small intestine and the colon. Ulcerative colitis involves the large intestine, including the rectum and the colon.
What causes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease?
The cause of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease isn’t known, but researchers think that anything from a virus or bacteria to some environmental factors may trigger the immune system, causing inflammation in the digestive tract. Stress does not cause these inflammatory bowel diseases, but it can make the symptoms worse. Family history is also a risk factor. 10% of patients who have Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis have a parent, child or sibling with a history of these diseases.1
What are the symptoms?
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease share several symptoms.
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Reduced appetite
- Fatigue
- Frequent, reoccurring diarrhea
- Blood in the stool
How are these inflammatory bowel diseases diagnosed?
Our Plano gastroenterologist relies on his experience to diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases. Dr. Weisberg sees all his patients himself at every visit, and no nurse practitioners or physician’s assistants are involved in patients’ diagnoses. During an initial visit, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease patients provide our physician with a detailed medical history. He relies on thorough and accurate answers to his questions to make a diagnosis. Our Plano gastroenterologist will keep all information confidential and listen compassionately.
Dr. Weisberg may recommend several tests after a patient’s initial physical examination.
- Blood test, including antibody levels
- Fecal tests
- Imaging tests, such as CT scans and x-rays with contrast
- Endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- MR Enterography
While neither ulcerative colitis nor Crohn’s disease can be cured at this time, there are several medications available to treat these conditions. Occasionally, some patients may require surgery to treat complications.
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are inflammatory conditions that need to be properly managed by a physician who is experienced in these conditions. Dr. Weisberg sees patients with these conditions on a daily basis.
Contact us for an appointment with our dedicated Plano gastroenterologist.
1 http://patients.gi.org/topics/inflammatory-bowel-disease/#tabs2