Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week highlights symptoms and treatment options

JOPLIN, Mo. — This week marks the annual Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week, which recognizes two conditions that are related to inflammatory bowel disease.

"Can be abdominal pain. It can be fatigue, rectal bleeding. Can be skin issues, can be joint pain, can be weight loss. Can be very broad, from mild to severe," said Lori Ramsey, nurse practitioner.

Some of the symptoms you may have Crohn's disease or colitis.

They can be diagnosed at any age, although it's often between the ages of 18 and 35.

"We have no reason why symptoms start and why the disease happens. It's a big part of research of how we can do prevention and detection. It's considered an autoimmune disorder, both of them, and it requires a triggering factor, genetic component to it," said Ramsey.

There are a range of treatments available once a patient is diagnosed.

That could include surgery, or any of a number of prescriptions.

"There are oral regimens, there are injectable regimens, there are infusible medications, some that you're taking daily, injections and infusions, that may be only six times a year. So there's a variety of options available," said Ramsey.

1.4 million Americans are affected by Crohn's disease and colitis.