- With Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist
Michael Picco, M.D.
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Michael Picco, M.D.
Michael Picco, M.D.
Dr. Michael F. Picco has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999. He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Dr. Picco is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and a consultant in gastroenterology at Mayo Clinic in Florida.
He has authored numerous publications in the area of gastroenterology, including original research, editorials and textbook chapters. He works with a team of gastroenterologists that takes care of complex gastrointestinal conditions and has a particular interest in diarrheal illnesses and inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease). He is also active in medical education in training new gastroenterologist and internists.
"MayoClinic.com is an invaluable resource for patients and their families," Dr. Picco said. "Informed patients are better able to participate in their own health care. A patient's participation is vital to the treatment of his or her disease. I hope to assist in helping patients understand their digestive problems and current treatments that are offered. This will allow for better communication between patients, their physicians and other health care professionals."
Dr. Picco serves as a reviewer of new research for several medical journals in the area of gastroenterology and is an active member of the American Gastroenterological Association, American College of Gastroenterology and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. He serves on numerous committees that address physician training, research and clinical practice in gastroenterology, both at Mayo Clinic and at the national level.
"Patients need to know about their disease, what to expect, the latest treatments and side effects so that they can make informed decisions about their health care. Gastrointestinal disease affects not only patients but also their families. My goal is to assure that our Web site provides accurate, reliable information and resources for patients. We must always provide the latest, most cutting-edge information to assist patients in dealing with their medical problems," Dr. Picco said.
Treatments and drugs (1)
- Cimzia: A new drug treatment for Crohn's disease?
Coping and support (1)
- Crohn's disease symptom: Is fatigue common?
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Question
Crohn's disease symptom: Is fatigue common?
Is fatigue a common Crohn's disease symptom? What can be done about it?
Answer
from Michael Picco, M.D.
Crohn's disease is a condition in which the lining of the digestive tract becomes inflamed, causing severe diarrhea and abdominal pain. Fatigue is a fairly common Crohn's disease symptom. Treatment of fatigue depends on the underlying cause.
The most likely causes of Crohn's-related fatigue include:
- Crohn's flare. You may experience fatigue and lethargy as your body fights the disease. During a Crohn's flare, medication to treat the active disease may help ease your fatigue.
- Medication side effect. Certain drugs used to treat Crohn's disease — such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine and corticosteroids — may cause fatigue. If medication is the culprit, your doctor may recommend switching medications.
- Anemia. Blood loss or nutritional deficiencies associated with Crohn's disease may lead to anemia, which can leave you fatigued. Your doctor may prescribe iron supplements to correct the anemia and perhaps other medication to treat the active disease.
- Depression. Chronic diseases are often accompanied by feelings of sadness or depression. In turn, depression can cause fatigue. Depression is often treated with antidepressants or mental health therapy.
To fight fatigue, it's also helpful to include physical activity in your daily routine, eat healthy foods and get adequate sleep. Be sure to share your concerns about fatigue with your doctor. He or she can search for an underlying cause and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
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