Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes swelling (inflammation) of the tissues in your digestive system, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition.
The inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can affect different parts of the digestive tract in different people, most commonly the small intestine. This inflammation often spreads into the deeper layers of the bowel. Crohn’s disease can be painful and debilitating, and it sometimes leads to life-threatening complications.
There is no known cure for Crohn’s disease, but treatments can significantly reduce symptoms and even bring long-term healing of the inflammation. With treatment, many people with Crohn’s disease can lead normal lives.
Symptoms
In Crohn’s disease, any part of the small or large intestine may be affected. It can involve several sections or may be continuous. In some people, the disease is limited to the large intestine (colon).
The symptoms of Crohn’s disease can range from mild to severe. They usually develop gradually, but sometimes they can appear suddenly, without warning. You may also experience periods of time when you have no symptoms (remission).
When the disease is active, symptoms usually include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Blood in your stool
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Pain near or around the anus due to inflammation from a fistula (an abnormal tunnel in the skin)
Other Symptoms
People with severe Crohn’s disease may also experience symptoms outside the digestive tract, such as:
- Inflammation of the skin, eyes, and joints
- Inflammation of the liver or bile ducts
- Kidney stones
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Delayed growth or sexual development in children
When to See a Doctor
See your doctor if you have persistent changes in your bowel habits or any of the following symptoms of Crohn’s disease:
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in your stool
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea lasting more than two weeks
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
Causes
The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown. It was once suspected that diet and stress played a role, but now doctors know these factors may worsen, but not cause, Crohn’s disease. Many factors likely contribute to its development.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for Crohn’s disease may include:
- Age: Crohn’s disease can occur at any age, but you are more likely to develop it when you are young. Most people diagnosed with Crohn’s disease are under 30 years old.
- Family History: You are at higher risk if you have a first-degree relative, such as a parent, sibling, or child, with the disease. Up to 1 in 5 people with Crohn’s disease has a family member with the condition.
- Smoking: Smoking is the most significant controllable risk factor for developing Crohn’s disease. Smoking also leads to more severe disease and a higher risk of needing surgery. If you smoke, it is important to quit.
