Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation anywhere along the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. It most commonly affects the:
✔ Ileum (end of the small intestine)
✔ Colon (large intestine)
Common Symptoms
Abdominal pain (often lower right side)
Chronic diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
Unintentional weight loss
Fatigue & weakness
Low-grade fever
Loss of appetite
Mouth ulcers
Causes & Risk Factors
Genetic Factors
Family history of Crohn’s
Mutations in genes like NOD2/CARD15
Environmental Triggers
Smoking (biggest preventable risk)
High-fat, processed diets
Urban living
Immune System Dysfunction
Abnormal immune response to gut bacteria
Diagnosis
Blood tests (check for anemia & inflammation)
Stool tests (rule out infections)
Colonoscopy + biopsy (gold standard)
Imaging (CT/MRI enterography)
Capsule endoscopy (small intestine exam)
Treatment Options
Medications
Corticosteroids (short-term flare control)
Immunosuppressants (azathioprine, methotrexate)
Biologics (infliximab, adalimumab)
Antibiotics (for infections)
Surgery
Removal of severely damaged bowel sections
Fistula/abscess treatment
Strictureplasty (widening narrowed areas)
Lifestyle Management
Low-fiber diet during flares
Quit smoking
Stress reduction
Vitamin supplements (D & B12 often needed)
Potential Complications
⚠ Bowel obstructions
⚠ Fistulas (abnormal organ connections)
⚠ Malnutrition
⚠ Increased colon cancer risk
Living with Crohn’s
With proper management, patients can lead active lives. Key strategies:
✔ Regular GI specialist visits
✔ Trigger avoidance
✔ Balanced nutrition
✔ Gentle exercise
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