Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis Specialist
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Daniel Reich, MD
Gastroenterologist located in Queens, Forest Hills, NY
As many as 3 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, which are chronic gastrointestinal conditions that are often difficult to diagnose and treat. Leading gastroenterologist Daniel Reich, MD, in Forest Hills, Queens, specializes in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and utilizes advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to help you get the right diagnosis and treatment to ease your symptoms. To schedule a consultation, call the office in New York City, or click the online booking button.
Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis Q&A
What are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are types of inflammatory bowel diseases. They’re chronic gastrointestinal conditions that cause inflammation of your gastrointestinal tissue.
With Crohn’s disease, the inflammation affects the deep layers of the digestive tissue and may occur in any part of your digestive tract. With ulcerative colitis, the inflammation only affects the top layer of tissue and most often develops in the large intestine.
Though the exact cause of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are still being investigated, doctors theorize the inflammation may be an autoimmune reaction triggered by a bacteria or infection.
You may be at greater risk of developing one of these inflammatory bowel diseases if it runs in your family, you smoke cigarettes, or you eat a high-fat diet.
What are the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis symptoms can vary depending on the area of the digestive system affected by the disease. Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Rectal bleeding
- Urgency to move your bowels
In addition to your gastrointestinal symptoms, Crohn’s disease may also cause joint pain and swelling, development of tender red bumps on your skin, or eye redness and pain.
How are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis diagnosed?
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms may be mistaken for other health conditions.
Dedicated to finding the root cause of your symptoms, Dr. Reich conducts comprehensive evaluations when you come to the office with gastrointestinal symptoms and concerns about an inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
To better understand your needs, Dr. Reich obtains detailed information about your symptoms, medical history, family history, and lifestyle and performs a physical exam.
He may recommend various tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms, such as:
- Blood work
- Stool analysis
- Urinalysis
- Colonoscopy
- Upper endoscopy
- Sigmoidoscopy
Dr. Reich is an experienced gastroenterologist and performs many of the gastrointestinal diagnostic tests himself.
What are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis treatments?
No single treatment works for everyone with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Dr. Reich works closely with you to develop a plan that reduces the inflammation, alleviates your symptoms, and prevents flare-ups.
With the right treatment plan, your Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can be put in remission. Treatment options may include:
- Prescription anti-inflammatory medication
- Medication to manage symptoms
- Corticosteroids
- Immunomodulators
- Biologic therapies
During an acute flare-up, Dr. Reich may suggest bowel rest to support the healing of your inflamed tissue. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the diseased portion of your bowel.
For ulcerative colitis, many patients find relief from their symptoms after a total colectomy, which is a surgery that removes all of the large intestine.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic conditions, but with the right treatment plan, you can get relief from your symptoms. Contact the office of Daniel Reich MD for expert gastroenterology care.
