Crohn’s Disease Treatment in Pasadena, CA
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the digestive tract, most often affecting the small intestine and colon. This condition can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, and nutritional deficiencies. Because Crohn’s is a lifelong condition with flare-ups and remissions, effective treatment focuses on controlling inflammation, managing symptoms, and supporting overall gut health.
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Crohn’s disease treatment is led by Kimberley Shine, MD. With expertise in integrative and functional medicine, Dr. Shine looks beyond symptom management to uncover underlying triggers, such as diet, stress, and immune dysfunction.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute, including:
- Immune System Dysfunction: The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the digestive tract.
- Genetics: Family history increases the likelihood of developing Crohn’s.
- Gut Microbiome Imbalances: Disruptions in healthy gut bacteria may worsen inflammation.
- Environmental Factors: Stress, diet, and smoking can trigger or aggravate symptoms.
- Age and Ethnicity: While Crohn’s can occur at any age, it often appears in young adults.
Understanding these contributing factors is essential for tailoring treatment to each patient’s needs.
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease symptoms can vary in severity and location, but commonly include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Persistent diarrhea
- Fatigue and low energy
- Unintended weight loss
- Reduced appetite
- Blood in the stool
- Mouth sores
- Joint pain or inflammation
How Crohn’s Disease Is Diagnosed
At Shine Health and Wellness, diagnosis begins with a comprehensive assessment, which may include:
- Medical History and Exam: Reviewing symptoms, family history, and lifestyle factors.
- Laboratory Tests: Checking for anemia, inflammation, or nutrient deficiencies.
- Stool Tests: Identifying infections or signs of digestive inflammation.
- Imaging Studies: Colonoscopy, endoscopy, or MRI scans to evaluate the digestive tract.
- Functional Medicine Testing: Assessing gut microbiome health, food sensitivities, and systemic inflammation.
This detailed process allows for a precise diagnosis and more effective, targeted treatment plans.
Treatment Options for Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease requires ongoing care tailored to each patient. At Shine Health and Wellness, treatment plans may include:
- Medication Management: Collaborating with specialists for anti-inflammatory drugs, immune suppressants, or biologic therapies.
- Nutritional Counseling: Personalized diets to reduce triggers, improve nutrient absorption, and support gut healing.
- Lifestyle Support: Stress reduction, exercise guidance, and sleep optimization.
- Supplement Support: Vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to address deficiencies and support gut balance.
- Functional Medicine Approaches: Identifying food sensitivities, addressing microbiome imbalances, and reducing systemic inflammation.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups to adapt treatment as symptoms change.
This combination of conventional and integrative strategies helps patients manage flare-ups, prevent complications, and improve quality of life.
The Role of Gut Health in Crohn’s Disease
Gut health plays a central role in Crohn’s disease. Imbalances in the gut microbiome can fuel inflammation and worsen symptoms. At Shine Health and Wellness, treatment includes strategies to support digestive balance, such as dietary modifications, probiotics, and functional medicine testing. By strengthening gut health, patients can experience fewer flare-ups and better long-term stability.
Why Choose Shine Health and Wellness?
Kimberley Shine, MD, brings more than a decade of medical experience and a patient-centered philosophy to every appointment. She understands the challenges of living with a chronic condition like Crohn’s disease and prioritizes building strong, supportive relationships with her patients. Her integrative and functional medicine background ensures that care plans address root causes, not just symptoms.
Patients also benefit from Shine Health and Wellness’s collaborative care model, which includes experienced nurses, a lifestyle coach, and a licensed acupuncturist. This team-based approach provides multiple resources to help patients manage Crohn’s disease while improving their overall well-being.
Take Control of Your Digestive Health
Living with Crohn’s disease can be challenging, but with the right care, it is possible to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine and her team provide personalized, compassionate treatment to help you navigate Crohn’s disease with confidence. Call 626-317-0207 today to schedule a consultation.