Inflammatory Bowel Disease Specialist
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Jeffrey H. Sherman, MD
Gastroenterologist located in Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Sherman is a top gastroenterologist in the Greater Los Angeles area, committed to offering patients the most advanced treatments for inflammatory bowel disease so they can achieve symptoms relief and reduce the risks of developing serious complications.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Q & A
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease or IBD is a chronic disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract and can result in significant health problems if not treated properly. There are two basic types of IBD:
Crohn's disease causes inflammation that can spread into the deeper tissues lining your digestive tract. It can affect either the large or small intestine or both.
Ulcerative colitis causes long-term inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine and rectum.
Other types of IBD include lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis.
What are the symptom of IBD?
The symptoms of IBD can be significant, severely affecting quality of living, and can include:
diarrhea, which may or may not contain blood
fever and chills
fatigue
weight loss
significant abdominal pain and cramping
nausea and vomiting
bloody bowel movements
What causes IBD?
The exact causes are unknown, but researchers believe IBD may arise as a result of problems with the way the immune system works.
How is IBD diagnosed?
In addition to taking an in-depth personal and family medical history, Dr. Sherman may perform tests on samples of your stool; take blood tests; perform diagnostic procedures such as endoscopy, colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy with or without biopsies; or order diagnostic imaging tests like MRI, x-ray or CT scan. Based on these findings, he'll be able to determine if you have IBD.
What treatments are available for IBD?
While there is no cure for IBD, treatments are available to reduce inflammation so your other symptoms can improve. Effective treatment can eventually result in long-term remission and a reduction in health risks associated with IBD. Treatments typically begin with medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics or immunosuppressant drugs. When these treatments are not enough to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation, surgery may be required.
Major Insurance Providers Accepted
We accept most major insurance plans, however, at this time, we are not providers for any HMO plans. We will gladly bill your insurance plans for you, however, you will be responsible for any co-pays and/or deductibles.
Please familiarize yourself with your plans policies for GI care. Pre-certification may be required prior to treatment or testing. All billing inquiries should be directed to our office during normal business hours.
Words from our patients
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"Great office, friendly and efficient staff. Doctor Sherman is a highly professional physician that provides the best service."
