Crohn's Disease Complications Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Crohn's Disease Crohn' s Disease Complications Most complications of Crohn's disease affect the digestive tract, but some can affect other areas of the body. By Quinn PhillipsMedically Reviewed by Kareem Sassi, MD Reviewed: August 19, 2021 Medically Reviewed Most complications of Crohn's disease affect the digestive tract, but some can affect other areas of the body. Malnutrition is a common side effect of Crohn's and is often treated by replacing nutrients via IV.Getty Images Different Types of Intestinal Complications The following complications in the intestines can develop because of Crohn's disease:Bowel Obstruction (Blockage) Inflammation from the disease can build up areas of scar tissue — Fissures can cause mild to severe rectal pain and bleeding, especially during and right after bowel movements. A fissure may become infected or develop into a perianal fistula, according to the TippiTV The Must-Watch Series for People Living With Crohn s Two specialists, a chef, and a patient advocate join forces to help people with Crohn’s live their best lives. Watch all episodes from Everyday Health. Featured Abscess An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It may develop in or around a fistula but can also occur separately from fistulas. Abscesses may cause swelling, pain, and fever. An abscess that forms in the intestinal wall may cause it to bulge, and abscesses around the anus may be visible and look like boils. (2) Depending on its location and severity, an abscess may be drained by using a needle or through surgery. Antibiotics are also often used to help clear up the infection. Malnutrition A variety of factors in Crohn's disease may make it difficult to consume or absorb enough nutrients. These include difficulty eating due to pain or diarrhea, or malabsorption in the intestines due to extensive inflammation and injury, certain medication, or surgery.Medical treatment to replace nutrients (often by IV) is usually successful at treating malnutrition, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Crohn' s Disease Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking Crohn's disease. Show Less The Latest in Crohn' s Disease Questions You Should Ask Your GI When You're Diagnosed With Crohn'sBy Natalie (Sparacio) HaydenSeptember 22, 2022 Resources for New Moms Living With IBDBy Natalie (Sparacio) HaydenSeptember 16, 2022 Can Medical Marijuana Improve Crohn’s Disease Symptoms? While some evidence suggests that cannabis use may help relieve Crohn’s symptoms, more research is needed to show disease improvement. 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