What is Crohn's disease?

What is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, but most commonly involves the end of the small intestine (ileum) and the beginning of the colon.

Unlike ulcerative colitis (another form of IBD), Crohn’s disease affects all layers of the intestinal wall and can occur in patches, leaving normal tissue between inflamed areas. This is called a "skip lesion" pattern.

What is Crohn's disease?


 Key Features of Crohn’s Disease

  • Type: Chronic autoimmune condition

  • Location: Can affect any part of the GI tract (commonly ileum and colon)

  • Pattern: Patchy (skip lesions)

  • Depth of Inflammation: Transmural (affects all layers of the bowel wall)

 Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause is unknown, but several factors contribute:

  • Genetic predisposition (e.g., NOD2 gene mutations)

  • Immune system dysfunction (abnormal response to gut bacteria)

  • Environmental triggers (diet, infections, smoking)

  • Gut microbiome imbalance

 Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

Symptoms may vary based on location and severity of inflammation:

  • Chronic diarrhea (may be bloody)

  • Abdominal pain and cramping

  • Weight loss

  • Fatigue

  • Fever

  • Reduced appetite

  • Mouth ulcers

  • Anal fistulas or abscesses

In children, it may cause delayed growth or puberty.

 Diagnosis

Crohn’s disease is diagnosed through a combination of:

  • Blood tests: Anemia, inflammation markers (CRP, ESR)

  • Stool tests: Rule out infections, check for inflammation

  • Endoscopy/Colonoscopy: Direct visualization and biopsy

  • Imaging: CT or MRI enterography to assess small bowel involvement

Treatment Options

Crohn’s disease is not curable, but symptoms can be managed with:

1. Medications

  • Aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) 

  • corticosteroids—for flare-ups

  • Immunosuppressants—azathioprine, methotrexate—biologics—

  • ICS—anti-TNF agents (infliximab, adalimumab)

  • Antibiotics—infections or abscesses

2. Dietary & Lifestyle Modifications

  • Avoid trigger foods (spicy, high-fat, dairy in some cases)

  • Eat small, frequent meals

  • Stay hydrated

  • Manage stress

3. Surgery

  • Required in up to 70% of patients over time

  • May include removing strictured or damaged parts of the intestine

  • Surgery is not a cure—disease may recur

 Complications

  • Fistulas (abnormal connections between organs)

  • Abscesses

  • Bowel obstruction

  • Strictures (narrowed areas)

  • Malnutrition

  • Colon cancer (especially with long-standing disease)

 Summary

Feature Crohn’s Disease
Area affected Anywhere from mouth to anus
Pattern Skip lesions (patchy)
Depth of inflammation Transmural (all layers)
Common symptoms Diarrhea, pain, weight loss
Complications Fistulas, strictures, obstruction
Treatment Medications, diet, surgery


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