Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes ongoing inflammation in the digestive tract. It can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract - from the mouth to the anus - but most often involves the small intestine and colon. 

Crohn’s disease can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and fatigue. Understanding the symptoms, causes and treatment options can help you manage the condition and protect your long-term digestive health.

What is Crohn’s disease? 

Crohn’s disease is a condition that causes swelling and irritation in your digestive tract (GI tract). It can lead to inflammation, ulcers (sores) and narrowing in your intestines, which disrupt digestion. 

A similar condition, ulcerative colitis, usually only affects the colon. Crohn’s disease may affect various areas, including your mouth, stomach, intestines and rectum. 

Crohn’s disease is believed to involve an abnormal immune response in which the body mistakenly attacks healthy digestive tissue, causing ongoing inflammation. 

What does Crohn’s disease pain feel like? 

Crohn’s disease pain is often described as cramping or sharp pain in the lower right abdomen. Pain may worsen after eating or during flare-ups. Some people feel constant discomfort, while others have periods of little or no pain between flares. 

Early signs of Crohn’s disease 

Early symptoms may include: 

• Persistent diarrhea 
• Mild abdominal cramping 
• Fatigue 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Mouth sores 
• Low-grade fever 

Early diagnosis can help reduce complications and improve long-term outcomes. 

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease symptoms depend on which part of your digestive tract is affected. You may only have mild symptoms or you may have severe flare-ups that have a large impact on your life and activities. 

Symptoms tend to come and go. In some cases, symptoms could be severe enough that you need hospital care.

Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Blood in stool
• Joint pain, skin rashes or fever

If you have symptoms of Crohn’s disease, contact your health care provider. Many symptoms overlap with other conditions.  

How is Crohn’s disease different from ulcerative colitis? 

Crohn’s disease: 

• Can affect any part of the GI tract 
• May affect deeper layers of the bowel wall 
• Often appears in patches 

Ulcerative colitis: 

• Affects only the colon 
• Involves the inner lining of the colon 
• Inflammation is continuous 

Both conditions are types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but they are managed differently. 

Causes and risk factors

It’s not clear exactly what causes Crohn’s disease. Researchers think that genetic, immune system and environmental factors may play a role. Here’s what may make Crohn’s disease more likely: 

• Family history and genetics: Crohn's disease can run in families. You’re more likely to develop it if a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has the condition.
• Immune system issues: With Crohn’s disease, an overactive immune system may mistakenly attack your own tissues.
• Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor. It can make the disease more severe and make it more likely that you’ll have complications from it.
• Age: Most people are diagnosed with Crohn’s disease before age 30, although you can develop it at any age.
• Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jews are at higher risk. 
• Diet and lifestyle: Diet does not cause Crohn's disease, but it may trigger flare-ups. Foods high in fat, fiber or dairy may make your symptoms worse.

Diagnosing Crohn’s disease 

To diagnose Crohn’s disease your provider may suggest different tests and evaluations. They will review your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical examination. If they think you may have Crohn’s disease, they may order:

• Blood tests: Blood tests can show signs of inflammation and increases in the level of blood markers for the inflammatory process. A complete blood count (CBC) can identify anemia, which is common in people with Crohn's disease.
• Imaging tests: A CT scan or MRI can help show which parts of the digestive system are inflamed and the severity of the inflammation. 
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy: With these procedures, a provider inserts a flexible tube through the mouth (endoscopy) or rectum (colonoscopy) to check the digestive tract for signs of Crohn's disease. They may also take a biopsy (tissue sample) to examine in a lab.
• Stool tests: These tests may rule out infections or other conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as bacterial infections or parasitic diseases.

Complications and side effects of Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease can lead to several complications:

• Bowel obstructions: Inflammation can make parts of the intestine narrow or blocked. These obstructions can be painful and you may need surgery to treat them.
• Fistulas: Fistulas are abnormal connections that form between the intestines and other organs or your skin. They can cause a lot of discomfort and get infected. 
• Abscesses: These are pockets of pus caused by untreated inflammation.
• Malnutrition: When you can’t get enough nutrients due to inflammation, you may develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can cause fatigue and weight loss.
• Mental health impact: Living with a chronic disease and the possibility of flare-ups may lead to anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions. It’s important to manage the emotional aspect of Crohn’s disease.
• Increased cancer risk: The inflammation from Crohn’s disease can raise your risk of colorectal cancer and small bowel (intestine) cancer.
• Anal fissures
• Strictures (scar tissue that narrows the intestines)
• Growth delays in children and teens

Is Crohn's disease life-threatening?

Most people with Crohn's disease live full, active lives with proper treatment. However, severe complications such as bowel obstruction, infection or malnutrition can become serious if untreated.

Treatment for Crohn’s disease

While there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, treatment may help you manage inflammation, control flare-ups and prevent complications. By managing your symptoms, you can improve your quality of life. 

Treatment options include:

• Medications: Drugs like corticosteroids may reduce inflammation during flare-ups. Immunosuppressive medications can help control your immune system’s response and prevent more damage to the intestines.
• Diet changes: Modifying your diet may help, especially during flare-ups. A diet low in fiber, dairy or fats may help you feel better. You may need nutritional supplements to make up for deficiencies.
• Biologics: Several biologic drugs, including newer agents such as risankizumba, are a cornerstone of therapy. They target specific molecules that contribute to inflammation in the gut. Biologics are often used for moderate to severe Crohn's disease or when other treatments are not effective.
• Surgery: If medications aren’t working or you have complications, you may need surgery to remove damaged parts of your intestines. Surgery can help with symptoms, but it doesn’t cure Crohn’s disease.

Can Crohn’s disease be cured? 

There is currently no cure for Crohn’s disease. However, treatment can reduce inflammation, control symptoms and help many people achieve remission. 

What is remission in Crohn’s disease? 

Remission means your symptoms improve or disappear and inflammation is under control. Some people stay in remission for long periods with medication and lifestyle management. 

Living with Crohn’s disease

To live as well as possible with Crohn’s disease, you’ll want to manage your symptoms, monitor flare-ups and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are some suggestions:

• Track your symptoms: Keeping a symptom diary can help you spot patterns, such as foods that trigger flare-ups or changes in your health.
• Get emotional support: Mental health is as important as physical health. Counseling, therapy or support groups can help you manage the emotional challenges of living with Crohn’s disease.
• Schedule regular check-ups: Your health care provider can help monitor the disease, adjust treatments and prevent complications.

Why choose Banner Health for Crohn’s disease care?

When you’re living with Crohn’s disease, you need a partner to help you manage symptoms, avoid complications and care for your emotional health. At Banner Health, we understand what it’s like to live with Crohn’s disease.

Our experts use advanced diagnostic tools to get a clear picture of your condition. With our personalized treatments, you have the support and care you need to live well with Crohn’s disease.

We also offer resources like counseling and therapy to help you cope with the mental health challenges of living with a chronic illness. 

If you or a loved one have symptoms or have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, don’t wait to get the care you need. The sooner you begin treatment, the better. Contact a Banner Health expert and take the first step toward improving your quality of life.