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Dr. Amjad Awan, MD

Conditions · Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis Treatment in Denton, TX

Long-term, personalized care for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with the goal of lasting remission and a better quality of life.

Patient with abdominal pain seeking a GI specialist
Digestive health care planning at a Denton gastroenterology office

Understanding IBD

Chronic Inflammation That Needs Specialist Care

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both cause ongoing inflammation of the digestive tract that comes and goes in flares.

Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the GI tract, most often the end of the small intestine. Ulcerative colitis affects the colon and rectum. With modern treatment, many people achieve long-term remission.

Colonoscopy with biopsies to confirm diagnosis
Modern therapies including biologics
Monitoring to prevent complications
Colon cancer surveillance for long-standing colitis

Signs & Symptoms

Common Symptoms of Crohn's and Colitis

Symptoms vary depending on where inflammation occurs and how active the disease is.

Diarrhea

Frequent, sometimes urgent bowel movements.

Rectal Bleeding

Blood in the stool, especially in ulcerative colitis.

Abdominal Pain

Cramping, often in the lower abdomen.

Weight Loss

Reduced appetite and poor absorption.

Fatigue

Often linked to inflammation or anemia.

Fever

Low-grade fevers during flares.

How It Works

How We Manage IBD

Treatment is tailored to your disease type, location and severity.

01

Diagnosis

Blood tests, stool tests such as fecal calprotectin, colonoscopy and imaging confirm the diagnosis.

02

Treatment Plan

Medications may include aminosalicylates, short-term steroids, immunomodulators and biologic or advanced therapies.

03

Monitoring

Regular labs and periodic colonoscopy check that inflammation is controlled.

04

Long-Term Care

Vaccines, bone health, nutrition and cancer surveillance are part of comprehensive care.

IBD Care in Denton

Living with Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis

The goal of IBD treatment is more than symptom relief. Today’s approach aims for mucosal healing, meaning the lining of the intestine is no longer inflamed, which lowers the risk of flares, hospital stays and surgery.

Managing Flares

Contact our office if you notice more frequent stools, bleeding, pain or fever. Early adjustment of treatment can shorten a flare.

Colon Cancer Surveillance

People with colitis affecting much of the colon for eight years or more have a higher risk of colon cancer and need regular surveillance colonoscopy.

Related Reading

Read IBS vs. IBD: Key Differences.

FAQ

IBD FAQs

No. IBD causes visible inflammation and damage to the intestine. IBS is a disorder of gut-brain interaction without inflammation.

Diet alone does not cure IBD, but good nutrition supports treatment and some diets help manage symptoms.

Many people never need surgery, especially with modern treatment. Surgery may be recommended for complications or when medications do not work.

Family history increases risk, but most people with IBD do not have an affected relative.

More Conditions We Treat

Explore Related Conditions

Celiac Disease

Testing, diagnosis and gluten-free guidance. Learn more →

Colon Cancer & Polyps

Prevention, detection and polyp removal. Learn more →

Difficulty Swallowing

Finding and treating the cause of dysphagia. Learn more →

Hepatitis C & Cirrhosis

Curative hepatitis C treatment and cirrhosis care. Learn more →

IBS, Abdominal Pain & Bowel Changes

Answers for ongoing pain and bowel changes. Learn more →

Liver & Pancreatic Disease

Fatty liver, pancreatitis and more. Learn more →

Get Expert IBD Care in Denton

Talk with an experienced gastroenterologist about managing Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.