Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation (swelling) and damage to the GI tract. The GI tract is in charge of digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.
Crohn's disease may manifest in "patches," affecting some areas of the GI tract while leaving others unaffected.
Inflammation (swelling) impairs the ability of the affected GI organs to function normally, resulting in symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fatigue. Symptoms differ and can shift over time. The disease can cause life-threatening flares and complications in severe cases.
The initial laboratory evaluation detects inflammation and screens for other diagnoses. To confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of disease, endoscopy and cross-sectional imaging are used. Treatment decisions are guided by disease severity and risk of poor outcomes.
Treatment for Crohn's disease and other IBD types may include medication, dietary and nutritional changes, and, in some cases, surgical procedures to repair or remove affected portions of your GI tract.
Crohn's disease patients are more likely to develop cancer, osteoporosis, anemia, nutritional deficiencies, depression, infection, and thrombotic (blood clotting) events. It is critical to maximize prevention measures when caring for these patients.
