Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a lifelong condition, but it doesn't have to run your life. With the right diagnosis, the right treatment and steady follow-up, most people with Crohn's reach long stretches with few or no symptoms.

Gastroenterologist Rajiv Sharma, MD, diagnoses and treats Crohn's disease at Mirage Health in Chandler and Mesa, AZ, serving patients across the East Valley, with registered dietitians on staff to help with nutrition.

What is Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The immune system causes ongoing inflammation in the digestive tract. It can affect any part, from the mouth to the anus, but most often involves the end of the small intestine and the colon. It usually starts between ages 15 and 35, but it can begin at any age.

Crohn's is different from IBS. IBS causes symptoms without damage to the bowel. Crohn's causes real inflammation that can be seen on a colonoscopy and needs medical treatment.

Crohn's disease symptoms

• Diarrhea that lasts weeks or keeps coming back
• Belly pain and cramping, often in the lower right side
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Blood in the stool
• Fever during flares
• Pain, swelling or drainage near the anus (fistulas or abscesses)
• Mouth sores, joint pain, skin rashes or eye redness

Get care right away if you have:

• Severe belly pain, especially with a swollen belly or vomiting
• High fever
• Heavy rectal bleeding
• Signs of dehydration

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For a flare that's getting worse but isn't an emergency, call us at 480-210-3155.

How Crohn's disease is diagnosed

• Bloodwork for anemia, inflammation and nutrition levels
• Stool tests, including fecal calprotectin, which measures inflammation in the gut
• A colonoscopy with biopsies, the main test for diagnosing Crohn's
• An upper endoscopy if symptoms suggest the stomach or upper intestine
• CT or MRI of the small intestine (enterography)
• Capsule endoscopy, a pill camera, for parts of the small intestine a scope can't reach

Our colonoscopy prep is liquid only, with no pills.

Crohn's disease treatment

Medicines that calm the inflammation

Treatment depends on where the disease is and how active it is. Options include short courses of steroids for flares, immune-modulating medicines, biologic medicines given by injection or infusion, and newer oral medicines. The goal is to heal the bowel, not just control symptoms.

Monitoring that keeps you in remission

Regular visits, bloodwork, stool tests and colonoscopies show whether treatment is working before symptoms come back. People with Crohn's in the colon also need colon cancer screening more often.

Nutrition support

Crohn's can cause low iron, B12, vitamin D and weight loss. Our registered dietitians help you eat well during flares and remission. Dietitian visits are self-pay.

Coordinated care

If you need surgery for a stricture, fistula or abscess, we coordinate with surgeons and stay involved in your care. We coordinate biologic infusions with an infusion center near you.

Living well with Crohn's

• Don't smoke. Smoking makes Crohn's worse and raises the chance of surgery.
• Keep up with vaccines, especially before starting medicines that affect the immune system.
• Ask before taking ibuprofen or naproxen, which can trigger flares.
• Keep a symptom log so you and your doctor can spot flares early.

What your first visit looks like

Bring your past colonoscopy and pathology reports, imaging, a list of Crohn's medicines you've tried and how they worked, and your current medications. If you're newly diagnosed, bring any test results you have.

New patient visits are 30 minutes, so there's time for your questions. New patients are seen within 7 days, and you don't need a referral to book.

Serving Chandler, Mesa and the East Valley

Chandler office: 2201 W Fairview St, Suite 5, Chandler, AZ 85224, near the 101 and Chandler Boulevard.

Mesa office: 1910 S Stapley Dr, Suite 120, Mesa, AZ 85204, near the 60.

Patients come to us from Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Sun Lakes, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley and Apache Junction.

Crohn's disease: questions patients ask

Is Crohn's disease curable?

There's no cure yet, but treatment can bring long-term remission, and many people live full, active lives.

What's the difference between Crohn's and ulcerative colitis?

Both are IBD. Ulcerative colitis only affects the colon's inner lining. Crohn's can affect any part of the digestive tract and go deeper into the bowel wall.

What's the difference between Crohn's and IBS?

IBS causes symptoms without visible damage. Crohn's causes inflammation that shows up on a colonoscopy and needs medical treatment.

What triggers a Crohn's flare?

Missed medicines, infections, smoking, NSAID pain relievers and stress are common triggers. Sometimes flares happen without a clear cause.

Is there a Crohn's disease diet?

No single diet works for everyone. A dietitian can help you find foods you tolerate and keep your nutrition up, especially during flares.

Do I need a colonoscopy for Crohn's?

Yes, to diagnose it, to check whether treatment is working, and for colon cancer screening if Crohn's affects the colon.

Can you take over my Crohn's care from another doctor?

Yes. Bring your records and current medicine list, and we'll pick up where your last doctor left off.

Do you see patients from across the East Valley?

Yes. Our Chandler and Mesa offices see patients from Gilbert, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Sun Lakes, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Apache Junction and the rest of the East Valley. Procedures are done at centers in Chandler, Tempe, Mesa and Gilbert.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book directly. Some HMO and Medicare Advantage plans require one, so we'll check your plan.

Living with Crohn's? You deserve a steady plan.

Get care from a GI specialist close to home. Serving Chandler, Mesa and the East Valley. Book online or call 480-210-3155.