Question 1

What is Crohn's Disease?

Accepted Answer

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation throughout the digestive tract, leading to severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malnutrition. It is caused by an abnormal immune response that attacks the gastrointestinal tract, though the exact trigger remains unclear. The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Differentiation Panel is the most important test for diagnosis because it measures ASCA antibodies and other serological markers that distinguish Crohn's from other inflammatory bowel diseases.

Question 2

What causes Crohn's disease?

Accepted Answer

Crohn's disease is caused by an abnormal immune system response that mistakenly attacks the digestive tract, leading to chronic inflammation. The exact trigger is unknown, but researchers believe it involves a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, and an inappropriate immune reaction to normal gut bacteria. Unlike infections caused by a single bacteria, Crohn's develops when your immune system overreacts to the trillions of beneficial bacteria naturally living in your intestines, causing damage to the intestinal wall that can affect any part of your digestive tract from mouth to anus.

Question 3

What is the best test for Crohn's disease?

Accepted Answer

The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Differentiation Panel is the most important blood test for Crohn's disease because it measures multiple antibody markers including ASCA IgA and IgG that are commonly elevated in Crohn's patients. This comprehensive panel helps distinguish Crohn's from ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel diseases by detecting antibodies against Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast and other serological markers. Individual ASCA antibody tests (IgG and IgA) are also valuable, with ASCA IgG helping differentiate Crohn's from ulcerative colitis and ASCA IgA being associated with more complicated disease progression. These blood tests work alongside endoscopy, imaging, and clinical evaluation to provide a complete diagnostic picture.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Crohn's disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent diarrhea lasting more than two weeks, frequent abdominal pain and cramping, blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, or chronic fatigue. Testing is especially important if you have a family history of inflammatory bowel disease or if you notice symptoms worsening after eating. Early diagnosis helps prevent complications like intestinal blockages, ulcers, and malnutrition, so don't wait if your digestive symptoms are disrupting your daily life or if you're experiencing fever along with gastrointestinal issues.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Crohn's disease?

Accepted Answer

Crohn's disease symptoms include persistent diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus), severe abdominal cramping and pain, urgent bowel movements, and a feeling that your bowels are never completely empty. You might experience loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, chronic fatigue, and low-grade fever. Many people also develop mouth sores, anal fissures, or skin tags around the anus. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and often come in waves, with flare-ups followed by periods of remission where you feel relatively normal.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Crohn's disease?

Accepted Answer

Crohn's disease typically develops in people between ages 15 and 35, though it can occur at any age. You're at higher risk if you have a family history of inflammatory bowel disease, with about 20% of patients having a close relative with the condition. Smoking significantly increases your risk and worsens disease severity. People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have higher rates of Crohn's, and those living in urban areas or developed countries face greater risk than those in rural or developing regions. While stress and diet don't cause Crohn's, they can trigger flare-ups in people who already have the disease.

Question 7

What happens if Crohn's disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Crohn's disease leads to serious complications that can permanently damage your digestive system. The chronic inflammation causes strictures (narrowing of the intestine) that can lead to complete bowel obstruction requiring emergency surgery. You may develop fistulas, which are abnormal connections between your intestine and other organs, skin, or other parts of the bowel. Persistent inflammation increases your risk of colon cancer, causes severe malnutrition and anemia from poor nutrient absorption, and can lead to abscesses that may become life-threatening infections. Early treatment prevents these complications and significantly improves your quality of life.

Question 8

Can Crohn's disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests alone cannot definitively diagnose Crohn's disease, but they play a crucial supporting role in the diagnostic process. Tests measuring ASCA antibodies (IgA and IgG) are commonly elevated in Crohn's patients and help differentiate it from ulcerative colitis and other conditions. Blood work also checks for inflammation markers like C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, anemia, and nutritional deficiencies that suggest Crohn's. Your doctor will combine blood test results with your symptoms, medical history, colonoscopy findings, and imaging studies like CT scans or MRI to make a definitive diagnosis.

Question 9

How is Crohn's disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Crohn's disease treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, managing symptoms, and preventing flare-ups through a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Anti-inflammatory drugs like aminosalicylates and corticosteroids control active inflammation, while immunomodulators and biologic therapies suppress the abnormal immune response. Many patients benefit from antibiotics to treat infections or complications. Severe cases may require surgery to remove damaged sections of the intestine or repair fistulas. Your doctor will work with you to find the right medication combination, and dietary modifications like avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and taking nutritional supplements help manage symptoms between medical treatments.

Question 10

How can I prevent Crohn's disease?

Accepted Answer

You cannot completely prevent Crohn's disease if you have genetic susceptibility, but you can reduce your risk of developing it or triggering flare-ups. Don't smoke, as smoking is the most significant controllable risk factor that both increases your chances of developing Crohn's and worsens disease severity. Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting processed foods and excessive red meat. Manage stress through regular exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques, as stress can trigger inflammation. If you have a family history of inflammatory bowel disease, regular check-ups and early symptom reporting help catch the disease in its earliest stages when treatment is most effective.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Crohn's disease?

Accepted Answer

Managing Crohn's at home involves identifying and avoiding trigger foods that worsen your symptoms, such as dairy, high-fiber foods during flare-ups, spicy foods, and alcohol. Keep a food diary to track what bothers you since triggers vary between individuals. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce digestive stress, stay well-hydrated, and consider low-residue diets during flare-ups. Stress management through yoga, meditation, or gentle exercise helps prevent symptom flare-ups. Take probiotics and omega-3 supplements after consulting your doctor, as they may help reduce inflammation. Always work with your healthcare provider before making major dietary changes, and never stop prescribed medications without medical guidance.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Crohn's Disease Blood Test

What is Crohn's Disease?

What causes Crohn's disease?

What is the best test for Crohn's disease?

When should I get tested for Crohn's disease?

References

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