Crohn’s disease is a condition that can cause inflammation and damage to the digestive system. If you are experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and weight loss, it’s important to see your doctor for a diagnosis. We often use a colonoscopy to diagnose Crohn’s disease and determine the best course of treatment for you.
Read on to discover more about diagnosing Crohn’s disease using colonoscopy.
How do doctors diagnose Crohn’s disease?
Doctors typically use a combination of tests to diagnose Crohn’s disease. We will also ask you about your medical history—including any medicines you are taking—and your family history before completing a physical exam.
During a physical exam, we will
- Check for bloating in your abdomen
- Listen to sounds within your abdomen using a stethoscope
- Tap on your abdomen to check for tenderness and pain and to see if your liver or spleen is abnormal or enlarged
We may use the following tests to help diagnose Crohn’s disease:
- Lab tests
- Stool tests
- Intestinal endoscopy
- computed tomography (CT) scan
- MRI scan
We may also perform tests to rule out other diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, diverticular disease, or cancer, that cause symptoms similar to those of Crohn’s disease.
What is a colonoscopy and why is it used for diagnosing Crohn’s disease?
A colonoscopy is a procedure that examines the rectum and the entire length of the large intestine (colon) via the insertion of a short, flexible, lighted instrument called a colonoscope.
The colonoscope allows us to view the lining of your rectum and colon on video. We can also use it to obtain small tissue samples or biopsies.
Gastroenterologists almost always recommend a colonoscopy to diagnose Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. This test provides live video images of the colon and rectum and enables us to examine your intestinal lining for inflammation, ulcers, and other signs of IBD.
How the procedure is performed
We insert the colonoscope into the rectum and advance it through the colon; we can also pass it down through the oesophagus and stomach to examine these organs. Known as a gastroscopy.
Sample tissue collection (biopsy) can help your gastroenterologist diagnose Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Watch our short video to learn more about what a colonoscopy can detect.
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What can you expect after a colonoscopy is completed?
After the colonoscopy procedure, you should stay in the endoscopy suite usually for 30-60 minutes depending on whether or not you had sedation and until you feel ready to leave.
If your colonoscopy requires sedation, ask someone for a ride home. We will give you specific instructions on what actions you need to take at home after your colonoscopy.
The symptoms of Crohn’s disease are very similar to other digestive tract diseases, so making an accurate diagnosis can be difficult.
There are many different types of treatments for people with Crohn’s disease. Some people require long-term management, while others may only need short-term treatment.
Book an appointment
Book an appointment with one of our specialists if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
We will assess your symptoms and perform tests, such as a colonoscopy, to determine if you have Crohn’s disease. Then we will recommend the appropriate treatment method for you.
