Crohn’s disease (CD) is a serious, chronic condition that can affect a person’s entire digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. It causes inflammation and open sores (ulcers) that may result in diarrhea, bloody stool, abdominal pain and weight loss.    

Crohn’s disease can affect different parts of the digestive tract, and it can affect the tract in different ways (swelling, edema, abnormal passages, etc).  This accounts for the wide variety of symptoms seen in patients with CD. CD most commonly occurs in the last part of the small intestine and the first part of the large intestine. It can cause deep tissue inflammation and can lead to serious medical complications, such as obstruction or perforation of the intestines, which can require surgery.

The cause of CD is unknown, although it appears to have a genetic component. CD occurs primarily in North America and Europe. Young people between the ages of 15 and 35 are more likely to develop CD, as are whites and people of a Jewish ethnic background. Cigarette smokers also have an increased risk of developing CD.

When symptoms appear, an initial physical examination may include blood tests, stool tests and patient medical history. The most common imaging tests used to diagnose CD are barium x-rays and various forms of endoscopy, in which a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the digestive tract.

Patients with CD may experience alternating periods of symptom activity and relief throughout their lives. Although there is no cure for CD, various medical and surgical treatment options exist. Medications are available to help reduce or eliminate the ulcers and inflammation caused by CD, as well as the symptoms of CD.

Surgery may be necessary when severe inflammation and ulcers cause parts of the intestines to narrow (stricture), food products are diverted from their normal digestive pathway (fistulae) or when food gets stuck in the intestines. Even after surgery, however, CD often reappears elsewhere in the digestive tract. Most patients require surgery at some point.