What is Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. This inflammation can lead to pain, swelling, and sores that affect how your body digests food. While it most often involves the small intestine, it can occur anywhere from the mouth to the anus.

The exact cause isn’t fully understood. It likely involves a mix of immune system changes, genetics, and environmental factors. Smoking and a family history of the disease can increase your risk.

Symptoms

Crohn’s disease can affect people differently, and symptoms may come and go over time.

Common symptoms include:

• Ongoing abdominal pain or cramping
• Frequent diarrhea
• Blood in stool
• Unintended weight loss
• Fatigue or low energy
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Joint discomfort
• Skin changes or rashes

How is it diagnosed?

Your provider will begin with a review of your symptoms and medical history, along with a physical exam.

To confirm the diagnosis, you may need:

• Blood tests to check for inflammation or anemia
• Stool tests to rule out infection and detect inflammation
• A colonoscopy or endoscopy to view the digestive tract
• Imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs for a detailed look
• A biopsy to examine tissue samples

These tests help determine how much of the digestive tract is affected and guide treatment decisions.

How is it treated?

While Crohn’s disease cannot be cured, treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life.

Early treatment options may include:

• Medications to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms
• Immune system therapies, including biologic medications
• Nutrition support or supplements

For more advanced cases:

• IV nutrition may be used if the body isn’t absorbing nutrients well
• Surgery may be needed to remove damaged sections of the intestine or treat complications

Most people manage Crohn’s disease over time with a combination of treatments. Regular care helps reduce flare-ups and maintain remission.