Irritable Bowel Disease Slideshow Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz

Medical Author:

Andrew B. Grossman, MD

Coauthor:

Petar Mamula, MD

Medical Editor:

Bhupinder Anand, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Crohn's Disease in Children and Teens Treatment

The general goals for treatment of children with Crohn's disease are: (1) achieve the best possible control of the disease with the fewest and mildest treatment side effects, (2) promote growth through adequate nutrition, and (3) permit the child to live "a normal life" of school, sports, and other activities.

A child with Crohn's disease should be treated by a team of experts consisting of a primary care provider, a gastroenterologist, a nutritionist, a social worker, nurses, and a psychologist/counselor and other professionals as needed. A critical factor in successful management of this disease is the family's willingness to participate and cooperate with the team.