Crohn's disease is classified based on the location of inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract, each presenting with distinct symptom patterns and treatment considerations.
| Type | Location Affected | Common Symptoms | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ileocolitis | Terminal ileum and colon | Diarrhea, cramping in middle/lower right abdomen, significant weight loss | Most common type affecting approximately 50% of patients; highest risk for strictures |
| Ileitis | Terminal ileum only | Diarrhea, cramping, weight loss, fistulas/abscesses in lower right abdomen | Affects approximately 30% of patients; risk of vitamin B12 deficiency |
| Crohn's Colitis (Granulomatous Colitis) | Colon only | Rectal bleeding, diarrhea, skin lesions near anus, joint pain | Affects approximately 20% of patients; requires differentiation from ulcerative colitis |
| Gastroduodenal Crohn's | Stomach and duodenum | Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss | Less common; often undiagnosed; can cause bowel obstruction |
| Jejunoileitis | Upper small intestine (jejunum) | Abdominal pain after eating, malnutrition, patchy inflammation | More common in children and adolescents; affects nutrient absorption |
Gastrointestinal Symptoms:
Systemic Symptoms:
Complications and Advanced Disease:
Extraintestinal Manifestations:
Comprehensive Crohn's disease evaluation requires thorough assessment to determine disease location, severity, and underlying factors contributing to inflammation. At Whole Gut Health, we use advanced diagnostics to create personalized treatment protocols that address root causes alongside disease management.
Testing options may include:
Colonoscopy with Ileoscopy and Biopsy to visualize the colon and terminal ileum, assess disease extent, and obtain tissue samples for definitive diagnosis and differentiation from ulcerative colitis. Dr. Shustina is no longer performing colonoscopies. We will review any prior records of colonoscopies. If a colonoscopy is needed during your care. We will refer you to one of the carefully screened Gastroenterologists within our network who will perform the procedure on our behalf.
Small Bowel Imaging (MR Enterography or CT Enterography) to evaluate small bowel involvement, strictures, fistulas, and disease activity in areas not accessible by colonoscopy.
Applied Kinesiology or muscle testing to help delineate root causes and confirm precise customized treatment protocols
Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Microbiome Profiling to assess gut microbiome composition, identify dysbiotic patterns characteristic of Crohn's, and measure inflammation markers including calprotectin and lactoferrin.
Inflammatory Markers and Serologic Testing including CRP, ESR, ASCA antibodies, and pANCA to help confirm diagnosis and monitor disease activity.
Nutritional and Micronutrient Assessment to identify deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron, vitamin D, zinc, and other nutrients commonly depleted in Crohn's disease.
Short-Chain Fatty Acid Analysis to evaluate gut bacterial metabolism and butyrate production critical for intestinal healing.
SIBO Breath Testing since small intestinal bacterial overgrowth frequently coexists with Crohn's disease and requires concurrent treatment.
We customize testing protocols based on symptom patterns, disease history, and suspected contributing factors to ensure comprehensive evaluation and optimal treatment planning.
Our Three-Phase Crohn's Resolution Protocol Includes:
1. Assessment and Root-Cause Identification
2. Targeted Intervention
3. Long-Term Remission and Prevention
Dr. Alexandra Shustina, NYC’s and Miami’s premier gut health specialist doctor is a board-certified gastroenterologist and internist. She is a gut health specialist with training in conventional gastroenterology and functional gut health. She is an expert in the gut microbiome and its role in health and wellness.
At Whole Gut Health, our care is led by experienced functional medicine clinicians with a deep understanding of the gut microbiome and advanced diagnostics. We combine evidence-based strategies from conventional gastroenterology with a functional and integrative lens to give you the clarity and support needed for long-term healing.
Crohn's disease is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation throughout the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly affecting the terminal ileum (end of small intestine) and colon. Unlike ulcerative colitis, Crohn's inflammation penetrates through all layers of the bowel wall and can occur in patches with healthy tissue in between (skip lesions). The disease results from complex interactions between genetics, immune dysfunction, environmental triggers, and gut microbiome imbalances.
Ileocolitis (most common, ~50% of patients)
Ileitis (~30% of patients)
Crohn's Colitis (~20% of patients)
Gastroduodenal Crohn's
Jejunoileitis
Gastrointestinal: Chronic diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal pain and cramping, urgency, nausea, reduced appetite, mouth sores
Systemic: Significant weight loss, chronic fatigue, fever during flares, night sweats, delayed growth in children
Complications: Strictures, fistulas, abscesses, perianal disease, nutritional deficiencies
Extraintestinal: Joint pain, skin conditions, eye inflammation, liver complications, kidney stones
Comprehensive evaluation includes multiple assessment approaches:
Colonoscopy with Ileoscopy and Biopsy
Small Bowel Imaging
Applied Kinesiology
Comprehensive Stool Analysis
Blood Testing
Nutritional Assessment
SIBO Breath Testing
Our comprehensive three-phase Crohn's resolution protocol includes:
Research has established that Crohn's patients consistently show characteristic dysbiotic patterns including reduced diversity, decreased beneficial bacteria (especially Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and other butyrate producers), and overgrowth of inflammatory species (particularly Enterobacteriaceae and E. coli). This imbalance reduces short-chain fatty acid production needed for intestinal healing, compromises gut barrier function, and triggers abnormal immune responses perpetuating inflammation.
Yes, with comprehensive treatment, many patients achieve and maintain remission for extended periods. The goal of modern Crohn's management is not just symptom control but mucosal healing, which significantly reduces complication risk and improves long-term outcomes. Our approach combines conventional therapies when needed with gut microbiome restoration, anti-inflammatory nutrition, nervous system regulation, and lifestyle modification to maximize remission duration and quality of life.
At Whole Gut Health, we take a comprehensive approach to Crohn's disease that addresses underlying factors alongside disease management:
Dr. Alexandra Shustina is a board-certified gastroenterologist and internist who serves as NYC's and Miami's premier gut health specialist. She has training in both conventional gastroenterology and functional gut health, with particular expertise in inflammatory bowel diseases and comprehensive gut microbiome restoration protocols.
The first step is scheduling a comprehensive consultation where we'll:
Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation and begin your journey toward sustained remission and optimal gut health.
Let us help. CALL NOW
