If I am in a car accident, or if I fall, I know my MedicAlert ID is the key to keeping me well. Any emergency responder will see my medical ID bracelet and wallet card, and they know that they need to call the Emergency Response Team at MedicAlert before doing anything.
Medical IDs for Crohn's Disease
The confidence to live with Crohn's disease
Getting a Crohn’s disease diagnosis can be both devastating and a relief. This chronic type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is painful and can negatively impact the daily lives of those who live with it. However, getting a diagnosis is the first step in reducing the symptoms of the condition and leading a normal life.
As with any chronic condition, it’s important for medical personnel to be aware of a person’s history of Crohn’s disease and current health status. A medical ID for Crohn’s disease is an easy and highly effective way to ensure that EMTs and doctors will have the most important information available immediately so that treatment can be provided according to those specific needs.
How MedicAlert protects those who are living with Crohn's disease
One thing you shouldn’t worry about is what could happen if there’s an emergency. MedicAlert’s protection plans offer benefits that extend beyond the ID, providing safety and peace of mind for people living with Crohn’s disease.
24/7 Emergency Response
Our team provides first responders the information they need to provide fast, accurate care.
Digital Health Profile
All your vital information, all in one place for you and your caregiver.
Emergency Contact Notification
In an emergency, we connect families so that no one is alone in a crisis.
Patient Instructions
Share the information that’s important to your care, such as use of rescue medications or contraindication for tests like MRIs.
Pair a medical ID for Crohn’s disease with the protection plan that’s right for you.
Facts about Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease causes inflammation in the GI tract. Affected areas can occur in any part of the small or large intestines. Many people notice their symptoms getting worse over time. It is possible to go into remission and experience no IBD symptoms for a while, but there is no cure for Crohn’s disease.
Symptoms are often extremely painful and disruptive to daily life. Diarrhea, fever, cramping and pain, blood in the stool, fatigue, mouth sores, and weight loss are all known symptoms of Crohn’s. In severe cases, anemia, inflammation, kidney stones, and delayed growth in children may occur.
Crohn’s disease is associated with a number of complications that can occur after symptoms appear. These can include:
- Ulcers
- Bowel obstruction
- Malnutrition
- Anal fissure
- Anemia
- Fistulas
- Colon cancer
- Blood clots
Prompt treatment of Crohn’s can help reduce the risk of developing these kinds of complications. It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible when you notice symptoms that could be associated with the condition.
How many people in the U.S. have Crohn’s disease?
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services estimates that over half a million people in the United States have Crohn’s disease. While it is not a common condition, it is well-known enough that there are accepted diagnoses and treatment protocols available.
What causes Crohn’s disease?
While we do know that there are typically both genetic and environmental factors that play into developing Crohn’s disease, the cause is not known. It is more common in Caucasian people and usually emerges before the age of 30. Family history does play a role.
How is Crohn’s disease diagnosed?
There is no specific test for Crohn’s, but doctors have a number of tests and tools they can use to make a diagnosis. Diagnosis may involve a range of different rests, including bloodwork and a colonoscopy to rule out other health conditions. Stool studies, CT or MRI scans, and endoscopy are other diagnostic tools that may be used.
Is Crohn’s an autoimmune disease?
Unfortunately, Crohn’s disease is still a mystery in many ways. It is thought that the condition involves both genetic and environmental factors. Those with Crohn’s in their family tree will want to avoid environmental triggers that could make developing the condition more likely, such as smoking.
Is Crohn’s disease fatal?
Although Crohn’s disease can be extremely painful and debilitating, it is not known as a fatal condition on its own. With that said, it can cause extremely dangerous complications that could become life-threatening.
It is very important to work closely with a doctor when you know you have Crohn’s to create a management and treatment plan. Once a plan is in place, you must follow it closely to maximize its success.
What to engrave on medical IDs for Crohn's Disease
MedicAlert offers free custom engraving on all our Crohn’s disease bracelets or medical ID products. The engraving on your Crohn’s disease medical ID should include any critical medical information that can protect and save your life if you are in an accident or have a medical emergency, for example:
- Allergies
- Crohn’s disease
- Other medical conditions
- Medications
- Any additional medical information that needs to be communicated to first responders
Sample engraving. Consult our team if you need help engraving your medical ID for Crohn’s disease.
Treatments and management of Crohn's disease
Generally, medications and lifestyle changes are the first treatment and management solutions doctors will suggest.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are the first line of defense. Since Crohn’s causes inflammation in the intestines, these drugs can help ease symptoms. Immunosuppressants and/or biologics may also be prescribed for people with Crohn’s.
Other medications may include antibiotics, antidiarrheals, pain medication, and vitamins or supplements. It is also common for doctors to recommend a special diet, at least temporarily. Stress management techniques can also help with the management of Crohn’s.
If other treatments are not proving effective, Crohn’s may require surgical treatment. This may involve repairing fistulas, draining abscesses, or even removing damaged portions of the bowel. Some people may need more than one surgery over their lifetime.
Living with Crohn’s disease
The good news is that most people with Crohn’s disease who are diligent about managing it can live normal lives for the most part. Flare-ups may occur, but avoiding excessive stress, smoking, and limiting NSAID pain relievers should help to minimize them.
There are also support groups for those living with Crohn’s. It can be important to connect with people dealing with the same health issues and provide support for one another. IBD of any kind can be draining and affect a person’s well-being, but it doesn’t have to control your life.
How a medical ID for Crohn's disease combined with MedicAlert Membership provides protection
Some people living with Crohn’s disease have mild symptoms and don’t see the need to wear a medical ID or medical alert jewelry on a daily basis. However, it’s important for anyone with a chronic condition to have identification in case of an emergency. If you are unable to respond to questions from emergency personnel, you may be given treatment that is contraindicated for your health conditions.
MedicAlert medical IDs provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind for people living with Crohn’s disease and their loved ones. Ensuring that all major health considerations are engraved onto a bracelet, necklace, or another form of ID can be life-saving. A Crohn’s disease medical ID bracelet is a simple safeguard that could become critical.
- We’re your voice: If you can’t speak for yourself due to an accident or other medical emergency, your Crohn’s disease bracelet or ID will speak for you – informing others about your Crohn’s disease and any medications you’re taking.
- 24/7 emergency protection: In an emergency, the MedicAlert team will relay all of your critical medical information to first responders, no matter where or when your emergency happens.
- Always connected: You should never be alone in an emergency. That’s why MedicAlert will reach out to your designated contacts if you are unable to do so.
- Live with peace of mind and confidence: MedicAlert will be there for you every step of the way. You’ll have the confidence and freedom to live your life with Crohn’s disease knowing we’ve got you covered.
DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information in this article is presented for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.