How Is Crohn’s Disease Diagnosed?

Introduction: Why Crohn’s Needs a Deeper Diagnostic Approach

Crohn’s disease is a complex, often misunderstood condition that impacts the digestive tract and quality of life. At Patients Medical in NYC, we believe that managing Crohn’s begins with understanding it at its root—through advanced diagnostics and a whole-body integrative approach. We don’t just chase symptoms—we uncover why the inflammation is happening in the first place.

What Is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation anywhere in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, most commonly the small intestine and colon. It can lead to symptoms that range from mild discomfort to severe, life-altering pain and malnutrition.

Key Characteristics:
  • Chronic inflammation in the GI tract
  • Periods of flare-ups and remission
  • Damage to the intestinal lining
  • Associated with autoimmune dysfunction and microbiome imbalance

 

Common Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s symptoms can vary based on the location and severity of inflammation, but common signs include:

Flare-ups may be triggered by stress, diet, medications, or environmental toxins.

What Causes Crohn’s? (Functional Medicine View)

While conventional medicine treats Crohn’s as purely autoimmune, integrative care seeks root causes, such as:

  • Leaky gut (intestinal permeability)
  • Gut microbiome imbalance (dysbiosis)
  • Food sensitivities (gluten, dairy, corn, etc.)
  • Chronic infections (Candida, parasites, viruses)
  • Toxin exposure (heavy metals, mold)
  • Genetic susceptibility (e.g., NOD2 mutations)
  • Stress and adrenal dysfunction
    Mitochondrial dysfunction impacting cellular repair

 

How Is Crohn’s Disease Diagnosed at Patients Medical?

At Patients Medical, we use advanced diagnostics to identify what’s fueling your inflammation and GI distress.

Comprehensive stool analysis (microbiome, inflammation, infection markers)

Food sensitivity panels (IgG, IgA)

Organic acids testing for gut health and nutrient status

Autoimmune marker panels

Intestinal permeability (leaky gut) testing

SIBO breath testing

Adrenal stress and cortisol testing

Genetic testing and methylation profile

Integrative Treatments for Crohn’s Disease

Personalized Nutrition Plans

  • Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)
  • Autoimmune Paleo Protocol (AIP)
  • Low-FODMAP diet for symptom relief
  • Elimination diet to uncover triggers
  • Nutritional repletion with key vitamins and minerals

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

  • L-glutamine (gut lining repair)
  • Curcumin (anti-inflammatory)
  • Probiotics & Prebiotics (microbiome support)
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Digestive enzymes
  • Zinc carnosine, aloe vera, marshmallow root

IV Nutrient Therapy

  • Vitamin C
  • Magnesium
  • B-complex
  • Glutathione
  • Amino acids

Stress & Immune Modulation

  • Acupuncture
  • Guided meditation
  • Adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha, rhodiola)
  • Biofeedback and emotional detox techniques

Gut Healing & Detox

  • Parasite cleansing protocols
  • Antifungal or antimicrobial treatments for SIBO or Candida
  • Mold detox and heavy metal chelation (when applicable)
  • Glutathione and binder support for toxin removal

Hormonal and Adrenal Support

  • Cortisol/DHEA balancing
  • Thyroid optimization
  • Female and male hormone panels

Real Case Study: Samir’s Healing from the Inside Out

Samir, a 33-year-old finance executive, came to us with severe bloating, cramping, and fatigue. After years of corticosteroids and antibiotics, Crohn’s symptoms were out of control. He was anxious, underweight, and dependent on medication.

Advanced testing revealed:

  • Leaky gut and dysbiosis
  • Elevated inflammatory markers
  • Gluten and dairy intolerance
  • High cortisol with adrenal burnout

We implemented a 4-month protocol:

  • Gut-healing diet (AIP-based)
  • Anti-inflammatory IV infusions
  • Herbal antimicrobials
  • Adaptogen and probiotic therapy
  • Bioidentical hormone support

Results: By month four, his flares reduced by 80%, weight returned, and he tapered off immunosuppressants under supervision.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

 No, while colonoscopy is a key tool, we also use stool, blood, and advanced gut panels for a fuller picture.

Yes. Trigger foods can worsen inflammation and symptoms—testing helps identify these.

 Yes. We offer functional, herbal, nutritional, and IV therapies to reduce inflammation and support healing.

 Some patients improve in 4–8 weeks. Deeper healing may take several months.

 Yes, we often collaborate to provide an integrative plan that complements conventional care.

 Some labs are reimbursable. We provide superbills for submission.

 With the right support, many patients experience drug-free remission.

 Yes. Chronic stress can impair immune balance and trigger flare-ups.

 In some cases, yes. Our therapies aim to reduce reliance on these medications.

 We focus on root cause diagnosis, advanced testing, and personalized, whole-person healing.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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