Gastrointestinal Examinations
... What are gastrointestinal examinations? X-ray examinations of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract-- which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestines, large intestines and rectum-- enable your phys...

The Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Procedure
... What is flexible sigmoidoscopy? Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a routine outpatient procedure in which the inside of the lower large intestine (called the sigmoid colon) is examined. Flexible sigmoidoscopi...

The Fecal Occult Blood Test
... The fecal occult blood test is one of a variety of colorectal cancer screening tests. When doctors test for fecal occult blood, they are testing for the presence of microscopic or invisible blood in t...

Signs and symptoms
... Signs and symptoms of Crohn''s disease can range from mild to severe and may develop gradually or come on suddenly, without warning. They include: Diarrhea. The inflammation that occurs in Crohn''s di...

Causes
... Crohn''s disease begins with inflammation, most often in the lower part of the small intestine (ileum) or in the colon, but sometimes in the rectum, stomach, esophagus or mouth. Unlike ulcerative coli...

Risk factors
... Crohn''s disease affects about the same number of women and men. Risk factors may include: Age. Crohn''s disease can strike at any age, but you''re likely to develop the condition when you''re young. ...

When to seek medical advice
... See your doctor if you experience a persistent change in your bowel habits or if you have any of the signs and symptoms of Crohn''s disease, such as abdominal pain, blood in your stool, ongoing bouts ...

Screening and diagnosis
... Your doctor will likely diagnose Crohn''s disease only after ruling out other possible causes for your signs and symptoms, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulitis and colorectal cance...