When To Call a Doctor
Call a doctor immediately if you have been diagnosed with
and you have one or more of the
following:
- Fever or shaking
chills
- Lightheadedness, passing out, or rapid heart
rate
- Stools that are almost always bloody
- Severe
- Severe abdominal pain or
severe pain and bloating
- Evidence of pus draining from the area
around the anus or pain and swelling in the anal area
- Repeated
vomiting
- Not passing any stools or gas
If you have any of these symptoms and you have been
diagnosed with Crohn's disease, your condition may have become significantly
worse. Some of these symptoms also may be signs of
, a rare complication of Crohn's
disease that requires emergency treatment. Untreated toxic megacolon can cause
the colon to leak or rupture, which can be fatal.
People who have
Crohn's disease usually know their normal pattern of symptoms. Call your doctor
if there is a change in your usual symptoms or if:
- Your symptoms become significantly worse than
usual.
- You have persistent diarrhea for more than 2
weeks.
- You have lost weight.
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting is a period of time during
which you and your doctor observe your symptoms or condition without using
medical treatment. Watchful waiting is not appropriate when you have any of the
above symptoms. If your symptoms are caused by Crohn's disease, delaying the
diagnosis and treatment may make the disease worse and increase your risk of
complications.
Even when the disease is not active (in remission),
your doctor will want to see you regularly to check for complications, some of
which can be hard to detect. It is always appropriate to call your doctor's
office for advice.
Who To See
The following doctors can diagnose most cases of Crohn's disease:
To help you manage Crohn's disease, you will probably be
referred to a
.
To be evaluated for surgery, you may be referred to a:
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.