Diagnosing Crohn’s Disease: Everything You Need to Know

Hello and welcome to the blog! We are going to share with you an overview of the process of diagnosing Crohn’s disease.  We will discuss the various diagnostic procedures used, as well as my personal experience with some of them.

You will most likely need a combination of tests and procedures to confirm an IBD diagnosis. There are a few key tests used to diagnose IBD, they include:

• Blood tests
• Stool Sample Tests
• Colonoscopy
• Capsule endoscopy
• Biopsy

These tests are key to diagnosing IBD. They provide clear and detailed information about the GI tract to your doctor. These tests are also important in differentiating between Crohn’s disease, and Ulcerative Colitis.

I will explain in greater detail what each of these tests are. As well as what information they provide, and a patient perspective some of these tests.

Gastrointestinal symptoms are common and can indicate a wide variety of diseases. A combination of tests may be used to help exclude other potential causes of your symptoms. As a result, your diagnosis may take some time.

Visiting a doctor to work out the diagnosis of a disease can be stressful, and unpleasant. Many patients feel overwhelmed with the process.

Knowing what to expect during your diagnosis can help you feel educated, and better prepared for what will happen.

At the end I share some tips and pointers to making the diagnostic process a bit easier, and less stressful.

Blood tests

What is it?

A blood test is often the first step in diagnosing Crohn’s disease. Blood tests involve having blood drawn from a vein in your arm. This is usually done at a laboratory by a trained nurse or technician.

What does it show?

Blood biomarkers can or show the presence of inflammation anywhere in your body. These biomarkers include c-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). These are both inflammatory markers found in the blood.

Patient perspective?

Although very few people enjoy getting needles, this test is relatively painless. It usually takes less than 30 minutes, and you can leave right afterward.

Stool Sample Test

What is it?

Stool sample tests are used to show fecal biomarkers. These biomarkers show whether there is inflammation in the GI tract. This is often the second test done in an IBD diagnosis. You will get a stool collection kit from your doctor or lab technician, and collect the sample at home.

What does it show?

The two biomarkers in a fecal sample are calprotectin and lactoferrin. These two markers can show if there is inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Patient Perspective?

There is a non-invasive procedure. It is easy to do from the comfort of your own home. It can also be used as a great tool for monitoring your IBD. Other than a slight ‘gross’ factor of having to collect your own feces, this test has no negatives.

 

The One Thing You Need for Diagnosing Crohn’s Disease

To be diagnosed with IBD, you must receive some sort of endoscopic exam.

An endoscopy exam is used for the next stages of diagnosis for IBD. Endoscopy refers to a procedure in which an instrument is introduced to the body to view the inside of the body.

There are a few different types of endoscopy exams used for IBD diagnosis. To be diagnosed with IBD you may only need one type of endoscopic test.

 

 

Colonoscopy

What is it?

This is an endoscopic procedure that uses a camera put up your anus to view your GI tract. The camera is a flexible, lighted, tube that runs the entire length of the colon. It can also view the end of the small intestine (terminal ileum).

What does it show?

The flexible camera can examine the colon (or large intestine) and the end of the small intestine. This test can often definitively diagnose IBD. It can also differentiate between Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis.

Patient perspective?

This is an invasive procedure. The worst part is definitely the laxative ‘prep’ you have to drink beforehand.

The procedure itself is painless. The doctors should make you as comfortable as possible.

I have had colonoscopies where I am put to sleep, and where I am awake. Be sure to ask your doctor which will happen to you, beforehand, so that you are prepared.

There is no pain afterwards, and you can resume normal activities.

Video Capsule Endoscopy

What is it?

This is performed by swallowing a pill-sized camera. This camera takes photos of your GI tract over the course of 8 to 12 hours. The information collected is stored in a recorder that you wear for the entire duration of the study. The camera is later passed during a bowel movement.

What does it show?

A video endoscopy can take photos of both your small and large intestines. It travels the entire length of the GI tract.

Patient perspective?

I cannot share my experience with this method as I have never had it.

Biopsy

What is it?

A biopsy is performed during a colonoscopy or endoscopy. A small piece of tissue is removed from the intestine.

What does it show?

The test results can be analyzed in a lab to show features of IBD, such as inflammation. It can also be used to screen for colon cancer. A biopsy is the most definitive way to test for IBD, versus other forms of inflammation.

Patient perspective?

If you are put to sleep while having a biopsy you will not feel anything. When I was awake for the colonoscopy, I could feel a slight pinch or pulling when they took a biopsy sample. This was not painful or uncomfortable,.  It just felt a bit weird.

A biopsy is a very important step in diagnosing Crohn’s disease.

How to Make Diagnosing Crohn’s Disease Go Smoothly

• Write down any questions you have beforehand. This way you make sure you don’t forget to ask any important important
• Write down all your symptoms
• Bring your ‘health history’ in with you. Including any recent infections, illnesses, and your family’s health history
• Bring a notepad and pen to take notes
• Bring a trusted friend, partner, spouse, or family member with you. This will help ensure no information is missed, and may help relieve some of the stress of the situation
• Bring all recent lab tests, blood tests, and any other results that may be useful for the doctor.

 

Being diagnosed with a complex disease like IBD can be overwhelming.  It can take some time.

Learning what to expect during the diagnostic process may help ease some stress. It can help you feel educated and empowered about what is happening to your body.