Crohn's Disease Treatment

Crohn's requires ongoing, specialized care. Dr. Maher monitors your condition closely and adjusts treatment to reduce flare-ups, manage symptoms, and protect your long-term health.

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IBD Specialist

Board-certified gastroenterologist

Long-Term Partnership

One doctor who knows your full history

Biologic Therapy

Advanced treatment for moderate to severe disease

What Is Crohn's Disease?

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. Unlike a stomach bug or food poisoning, Crohn's does not go away on its own. It is a lifelong condition that cycles between periods of active symptoms (flare-ups) and periods of remission.

The inflammation from Crohn's can occur anywhere from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the colon.

What makes Crohn's distinct is that the inflammation penetrates deep into the layers of the intestinal wall, which can lead to serious complications if not properly managed.

Recognizing the Signs of Crohn's Disease

Crohn's symptoms range from mild to severe and can come on gradually or appear suddenly. During a flare-up, you may experience:

Persistent diarrhea, sometimes with blood or mucus
Abdominal pain and cramping, often in the lower right side
Fatigue that does not improve with rest
Unintended weight loss and reduced appetite
Fever, especially during active inflammation
Mouth sores
Pain or drainage around the anus (fistulas)

Outside the gut: Some patients also experience joint pain, skin rashes, and eye inflammation. If you notice a pattern of persistent diarrhea combined with abdominal pain and weight loss, it is time to see a gastroenterologist. Schedule an evaluation →

Gastroenterologist consulting Crohn's disease patient Katy TX

Why Crohn's Needs More Than a One-Time Visit

Crohn's disease is unpredictable. A treatment that works today may need to be adjusted in six months. Inflammation can silently progress even when you feel fine. Complications like strictures, fistulas, and abscesses can develop between visits.

That is why Crohn's care is not a single appointment. It is an ongoing relationship with a gastroenterologist who knows your history, tracks your disease activity, and responds quickly when things change.

Dr. Maher manages Crohn's patients as a long-term partner in their health.

How We Diagnose Crohn's Disease

There is no single test for Crohn's. Diagnosis requires a combination of clinical evaluation, testing, and experience.

Your Consultation

Dr. Maher reviews your full symptom history, family history, and prior testing. Many patients arrive having been told they have IBS or a sensitive stomach without ever receiving a proper evaluation.

Diagnostic Testing

Based on your evaluation, Dr. Maher may recommend:

Colonoscopy with biopsies — to visualize the colon and confirm Crohn's inflammation
Capsule endoscopy — to examine the small intestine beyond standard scope reach
Blood work — for anemia, CRP, ESR, and infection markers
Stool testing — (fecal calprotectin) to measure intestinal inflammation
CT or MRI imaging — to evaluate for strictures, fistulas, or abscesses

Your Treatment Plan

Once the location, severity, and behavior of your Crohn's disease are established, Dr. Maher builds a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation. No two Crohn's patients are the same, and no two plans should be either.

Treatment That Adapts as Your Disease Does

Crohn's management is not a one-size-fits-all plan. Dr. Maher adjusts your treatment as your condition evolves.

Medication Management

Dr. Maher uses a step-up or top-down approach depending on disease severity, from aminosalicylates and corticosteroids for flare control to immunomodulators and biologic therapies for moderate to severe Crohn's. He monitors your response and adjusts over time to maintain remission with the fewest side effects.

Infliximab Adalimumab Vedolizumab Ustekinumab Azathioprine Methotrexate

Nutrition and Lifestyle Support

Crohn's disease affects how your body absorbs nutrients. Dr. Maher evaluates for vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly iron, B12, vitamin D, and folate, and addresses malnutrition as part of your treatment plan. He also provides guidance on dietary modifications that may reduce symptom triggers without unnecessary restriction.

Monitoring and Surveillance

Even during remission, Crohn's can cause silent damage. Dr. Maher schedules regular check-ins, lab work, and periodic colonoscopy to monitor disease activity, check for complications, and screen for colorectal cancer, which carries an elevated risk in long-standing Crohn's patients.

Complications Dr. Maher Monitors Closely

Untreated or undertreated Crohn's can lead to serious structural damage. Early monitoring is the best prevention.

Strictures

Chronic inflammation causes scar tissue that narrows the intestine, leading to blockages. Symptoms include cramping, bloating, and vomiting after eating.

Fistulas

Abnormal tunnels that form between the intestine and other organs or the skin surface. Fistulas can cause drainage, pain, and infection.

Abscesses

Pockets of infection that develop in or around the intestine. These often require drainage and antibiotics before medication can continue effectively.

Malnutrition

Inflammation in the small intestine impairs nutrient absorption. Left unaddressed, this leads to anemia, bone loss, fatigue, and weakened immunity.

One Doctor Who Knows Your Crohn's History

Large GI practices rotate patients between providers. You explain your history to a different doctor every visit. That is not how Dr. Maher's office works.

When you become his patient, he stays your doctor. He knows your disease pattern, your medication history, and how your body responds to treatment. That continuity matters when managing a chronic condition as complex as Crohn's disease.

Board Certification

Gastroenterology & Internal Medicine

Continuity of Care

Same Doctor, Every Visit

Advanced Diagnostics

Colonoscopy & Capsule Endoscopy On-Site

Biologic Therapy

Modern IBD Treatment Options

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers about diagnosis, treatment options, biologics, and living with Crohn's disease.

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Is Crohn's disease curable?

There is currently no cure for Crohn's disease. However, with proper treatment, most patients achieve sustained remission and live full, active lives. The goal of treatment is to control inflammation, prevent flare-ups, and protect your long-term health.

What is the difference between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?

Both are forms of inflammatory bowel disease, but they affect different parts of the digestive tract. Crohn's can occur anywhere from the mouth to the anus and penetrates deep into the intestinal wall. Ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon and affects only the innermost lining. Dr. Maher treats both conditions.
Learn more on our Ulcerative Colitis page →

Will I need surgery?

Roughly half of Crohn's patients require surgery at some point. Surgery can remove damaged portions of the intestine, drain abscesses, or repair fistulas. It does not cure Crohn's, but it can provide significant relief. Dr. Maher works to manage your disease medically to avoid or delay surgery whenever possible.

What are biologics and will I need them?

Biologics are targeted therapies that block specific proteins involved in the inflammatory process. They are among the most effective treatments for moderate to severe Crohn's disease. Whether you need a biologic depends on your disease severity and how you respond to other treatments. Dr. Maher will discuss all options with you.

How often will I need a colonoscopy?

Patients with Crohn's typically need colonoscopy more frequently than the general population, both to monitor disease activity and to screen for colorectal cancer. Dr. Maher will recommend a surveillance schedule based on the location and duration of your disease.

Can diet help manage Crohn's disease?

Diet does not cause or cure Crohn's, but certain foods can trigger symptoms during flare-ups. Dr. Maher helps you identify your personal triggers and addresses nutritional deficiencies that commonly develop with Crohn's, including low iron, B12, vitamin D, and folate.

Can stress cause a Crohn's flare?

Stress does not cause Crohn's disease, but it can trigger or worsen flare-ups. Managing stress through exercise, sleep, and other strategies is an important part of your overall care plan.

Take Control of Your Crohn's Care

Whether you were recently diagnosed or have been managing Crohn's for years, you deserve a gastroenterologist who stays with you through every flare and every remission. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Maher today.

Schedule an Appointment Call (346) 637-4874

Mon–Thu 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Fri 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
19255 Park Row #104, Houston, TX 77084