People with Crohn's disease have a wide variety of symptoms. This is because the disease can affect different parts of the digestive tract and in different ways, such as with swelling, edema or the development of abnormal passages called fistulae. Crohn's disease can cause deep tissue irritation and can lead to serious medical complications, such as obstruction or perforation of the intestines, which can require surgery. People with Crohn's disease may experience alternating periods of symptom activity and relief throughout their lives.

Are there different types of Crohn's disease?

Yes. Crohn's disease may be classified into various types, depending on the location of symptoms. Crohn's disease most commonly affects the small intestine, which is made up of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum, and large intestine, which includes the cecum, colon and rectum. The various types of Crohn's disease include:

• Ileocolitis. The most common form of Crohn's disease, with symptoms occurring in both the small intestine's ileum and the first part of the large intestine, the cecum. Symptoms include diarrhea, significant weight loss, and cramping or pain in the lower right or middle of the abdomen.
  
  
• Ileitis. When inflammation occurs in the ileum. The symptoms are similar to those of ileocolitis, although fistulas and abscesses may also develop.
  
  
• Gastroduodenal Crohn's disease. Affects the stomach and small intestine's duodenum. Symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. Vomiting may indicate an intestinal obstruction.
  
  
• Jejunoileitis. Inflammation of the jejunum, the largest part of the small intestine. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping. Malnutrition may occur, due to malabsorption by the jejunum, where most absorption of nutrients occurs. Fistulas (abnormal connections) may also develop.
  
  
• Granulomatous colitis. Inflamed tissues called granulomas occur in the colon. Granulomas are a feature of Crohn's disease; they do not appear in ulcerative colitis, the other major form of inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms include diarrhea, blood in the stool, skin lesions and joint pains. Abscesses, fistulas and ulcers may develop around the anus. Granulomatous enteritis, which is also called regional enteritis, features similar symptoms but affects the small intestine only.