What Is Crohn s Disease Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Crohn's Disease What Is Crohn s Disease Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention By Lindsey KonkelMedically Reviewed by Kareem Sassi, MD Reviewed: September 13, 2021 Medically Reviewed Crohn's disease is a chronic digestive disorder that causes inflammation and damage in the digestive tract.The disease belongs to a group of conditions called There's no cure for Crohn's disease, but there are Types of Crohn s Disease There are several different types of Crohn’s disease, categorized by the area of the digestive tract affected. It affects the end of the small intestine (ileum) as well as the large intestine (colon). Ileitis This form of Crohn’s disease affects only the ileum. Crohn’s Colitis Also known as granulomatous colitis, this form of the disease affects only the colon. Gastroduodenal Crohn’s Disease This form of the disease affects both the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum). Common Questions & Answers What are early signs of Crohn’s disease? While no two people will experience Crohn's disease in the same way, most have diarrhea and abdominal pain or cramping. Other common symptoms include rectal bleeding, nausea, loss of appetite, an urgent need to use the bathroom, and constipation. Weight loss, fatigue, joint pain, red or itchy eyes, and inflamed or bumpy skin may also occur. What diet changes can help manage Crohn’s symptoms? There is no single diet for Crohn's disease. However, common triggers you may want to avoid include whole grains, nuts and seeds, raw fruits and vegetables, spicy foods, fatty or greasy foods, dairy products, and caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. During a flare, when symptoms are at their worst, it may be helpful to stick to bland, soft foods. How is Crohn’s disease detected? The first step in testing for Crohn’s is a physical exam, a full medical history, and tests to rule out other conditions, including lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis. Blood tests, stool tests, colonoscopy, upper GI endoscopy, wireless capsule endoscopy, and imaging tests are also used to diagnose Crohn's. What happens if Crohn’s is left untreated? The ongoing inflammation that comes with Crohn's can lead to a number of complications. One common digestive issue is an intestinal blockage, which occurs when inflammation causes scar tissue to build up and narrow an area of the intestines. Other complications include tears in the anus, pockets of infection, malnutrition, and colon cancer. Signs and Symptoms of Crohn s Disease No two people experience Crohn’s disease in exactly the same way. Your symptoms will depend on what areas of your bowel are affected, as well as how advanced your disease is and how well your treatments are working.Most people with Crohn’s disease experience inflammation in both their small intestine and their large intestine (colon), which often causes diarrhea and Most Recent In Crohn' s Disease Study Shows Depression Affects IBD Patients and Their Siblings Gut Check Can Cookie Dough Really Harm Your Gut 5 Natural Ways to Manage Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms Early Research Reveals Key Player in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease See all in Crohn's Disease Causes and Risk Factors of Crohn s Disease The exact causes of Crohn's disease are unknown. Experts believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to a person's risk for the disease. Some risk factors for Crohn's disease include: Certain Drugs Taking antibiotics, Editor' s Picks What Is Eosinophilic Esophagitis EoE Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention How to Overcome Grief When You Have Ulcerative Colitis Crohn' s and Women How IBD Can Affect Menstruation Real People With IBD Make Jobs Work for Them How Is Crohn s Disease Diagnosed The first step to Most Popular in Crohn' s Disease Can a Liquid Diet Treat Crohn' s Disease Better Than Steroids in Children 7 Breakfast Recipes for People With Crohn s Disease 10 Complementary Therapies for Crohn s Disease On Trend Cooking for Crohn s Disease Duration of Crohn s Disease Flares A period of time in which symptoms of Crohn’s are severe is called a flare. The length of a flare varies widely from person to person, but generally, can last anywhere from a couple of days to several months. If a flare is left untreated, it can cause lasting complications and permanent damage, so it’s important to work with your doctor on a treatment plan. For an individual with Crohn’s a period of time with no symptoms is called remission, which can last for several days, weeks, and even years. The goal of treatment for Crohn’s disease is to achieve and maintain remission. Editor' s Picks Can a Health Psychologist Help You Manage Inflammatory Bowel Disease? This healthcare provider can help you use several strategies to reduce stress and alleviate Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis symptoms.… Learn More Treatment and Medication Options for Crohn s Disease Treatment for Crohn’s disease usually involves a number of different drugs. Some of these drugs are meant to prevent flares of your disease — periods in which your symptoms return or worsen. Others are prescribed to reduce inflammation and treat symptoms when a flare takes place. You may also be prescribed antibiotics to treat symptoms or complications due to a bacterial infection. For most people with Crohn’s disease, a time will come when medication alone won’t be enough, and surgery will be required. Surgical treatments may include removing a diseased area of the intestines, opening a narrowed or blocked area, or even removing the entire colon. Most surgical treatments allow people with Crohn’s to live symptom-free for a number of years.Alternative therapies can also help to reduce symptoms and maintain remission. Research shows that supplements like Complications of Crohn s Disease The ongoing inflammation and injury to the bowel wall that define Crohn’s disease can lead to a number of Editor' s Picks Watch the Inspiring New Series ‘TippiTV: Crohn’s Disease’ 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.… Learn More Research and Statistics How Many People Have Crohn' s Disease About three million people in the United States have an inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn’s disease and Studies show that the condition has become more common in the United States and certain other countries, for reasons that aren't fully understood. Men and women are equally likely to be affected. More in Crohn' s Disease and Exercise 10 Celebrities Currently Living With Crohn s Disease Move More Stress Less When You Have Crohn' s How One Woman With Crohn s Disease Became a Runner Your Everyday Guide to Living Well With Crohn s Disease Related Conditions and Causes of Crohn s Disease Crohn’s is a form of irritable bowel disease, an umbrella term used to describe disorders that involve chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. The other main type of IBD is ulcerative colitis, a condition characterized by chronic inflammation and Resources for People With Crohn s Disease Having Crohn’s disease can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and it can sometimes feel like no one else knows what you’re going through.At the same time, you may have questions about the best way to treat or manage your disease, or wonder if you could benefit from participating in a Crohn s and COVID-19 The coronavirus pandemic has forced everyone to take extra precautions when it comes to health and safety. This is especially true for individuals with a compromised immune system. Although research shows that people living with Crohn’s disease are no more susceptible to catching the virus than the general population, organizations including the NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Crohn' s Disease Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 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