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Crohn’s Disease

What is Crohn’s Disease?

  • Crohn’s disease is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
  • It causes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
  • Can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from mouth to anus.
  • Most commonly affects the end of the small intestine and beginning of the colon.
  • Inflammation may spread into deeper layers of the bowel wall.
  • Disease usually occurs in cycles of flare-ups and remission.
  • No permanent cure, but treatment helps control symptoms.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Weight loss and reduced appetite
  • Fatigue, fever, Blood in stool
  • Mouth sores
  • Anal pain or drainage (fistula)
  • Malnutrition

Causes of Crohn’s Disease

  • Abnormal immune system response
  • Genetic factors (family history)
  • Gut bacteria and environmental triggers

Types of Crohn’s Disease

  • Ileocolitis – small intestine & colon
  • Ileitis – small intestine only
  • Crohn’s colitis – colon only
  • Gastroduodenal Crohn’s – stomach & upper intestine

Diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease

  • Medical history and symptom evaluation
  • Blood and stool tests
  • Colonoscopy or endoscopy
  • Imaging tests (CT/MRI)

Complications of Crohn’s Disease

  • Bowel obstruction due to thickened intestinal walls.
  • Ulcers in the digestive tract.
  • Fistulas abnormal connections between organs or skin.
  • Anal fissures causing pain and bleeding.
  • Abscesses collections of infection/pus.
  • Malnutrition due to poor nutrient absorption.

Treatment of Crohn’s Disease

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Steroids
  • Immune system suppressors
  • Biologic therapies
  • Antibiotics (when needed)
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