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Finding the Right Crohn's Disease Treatment

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This content is created or selected by the Healthgrades editorial team and is funded by an advertising sponsor. The content is subject to the Healthgrades medical review process for accuracy, balance and objectivity. The content is not edited or otherwise influenced by the advertisers appearing on this page except with the possible suggestion of the broad topic area. For more information, read the Healthgrades advertising policy.
At Your Appointment

Crohn's Disease Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.
  • Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
  • How many liquid or soft stools per day have you had in the last seven days?
  • Have you had to use diphenoxylate or loperamide to control your diarrhea over the last seven days? What other medications are you taking?
  • How would you rate your abdominal pain over the last seven days? None, mild, moderate or severe?
  • How would you rate your general well-being over the last seven days? Well, slightly below average, poor, very poor, or terrible?
  • Are you having any problems with your joints, eyes, skin or weight?
  • When was your last endoscopy and blood test?
  • Describe your symptoms. Do you experience abdominal pain or cramping, diarrhea, bloody stool, fever, fatigue, unintended weight loss, or mouth sores?
  • How severe are your symptoms? When did you first notice them?
  • Are your symptoms constant or do they come and go? Do you have periods of time without any symptoms?
  • What makes your symptoms better or worse? Does your diarrhea respond to over-the-counter antidiarrheals?
  • Do you smoke or regularly use NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen?
  • Do you have a family history inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?
  • What side effects are you noticing with your Crohn's disease medicine?
  • What is your main concern about a Crohn's disease diagnosis?
  • What new symptoms are you experiencing?
  • Do my symptoms mean I have Crohn's disease?
  • How do you diagnose Crohn's disease?
  • How is Crohn's disease different than ulcerative colitis? How can you tell the difference between them?
  • Could another medical condition be causing or contributing to my symptoms?
  • What are the possible complications of Crohn's disease?
  • What should I do if my symptoms get worse?
  • What treatment do you recommend for my Crohn's disease? What are the side effects?
  • How often do I need follow-up appointments and testing, such as blood tests and endoscopy?
  • What foods should I limit or avoid?
  • What information should I include in my food and symptom diary?
  • What other changes to my eating habits or lifestyle do I need to make?
  • When do you recommend surgery?
  • Are there other Crohn's disease medications that would do a better job of controlling my symptoms with fewer side effects?
  • Do my new or different symptoms mean my Crohn's disease is getting worse?
  • Do you believe my symptoms are due to Crohn's disease or another problem, such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or C. diff? Why do you think this?
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Last Review Date: 2016 Nov 1
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
  1. Crohn's Disease. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353309
  2. Crohn's Disease Activity Index. Merck Manuals. https://www.merckmanuals.com/medical-calculators/CDAI.htm
  3. Lichtenstein GR, Loftus EV, Isaacs KL, et al. ACG clinical guideline: management of Crohn's disease in adults. Am J Gastroenterol. 2018 Apr;113(4):481-517.