OverviewWhat is Crohn’s disease?Crohn’s disease, also called regional enteritis or ileitis, is a lifelong form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The condition inflames and irritates the digestive tract — specifically the small and large intestines. Crohn’s disease can cause diarrhea and stomach cramps. It’s common to experience periodic disease flare-ups. Show
Crohn’s disease gets its name from American gastroenterologist Dr. Burrill Crohn (1884-1983). He was one of the first physicians to describe the illness in 1932. Ulcerative colitis is another commonly diagnosed IBD. How common is Crohn’s disease?An estimated half a million Americans have Crohn’s disease. This can include men, women and children. Who might get Crohn’s disease?Crohn’s disease typically appears in younger people – often in their late teens, 20s or early 30s. However, this condition can happen at any age. It’s equally common in men and women. Crohn’s disease can also be see in young children. If you’re a cigarette smoker, your risk of Crohn’s disease might be higher than non-smokers. What are the types of Crohn’s disease?Crohn’s disease can affect different sections of the digestive tract. Types of Crohn’s disease include:
Symptoms and CausesWhat causes Crohn’s disease?There’s no known cause of Crohn’s disease. Certain factors may increase your risk of developing the condition, including:
What are the symptoms of Crohn’s disease?People with Crohn’s disease can experience periods of severe symptoms (flare-ups) followed by periods of no or very mild symptoms (remission). Remission can last weeks or even years. There’s no way to predict when flare-ups will happen. If you have Crohn’s disease, symptoms you might have can include:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is Crohn's disease diagnosed?Most people with Crohn’s first see a healthcare provider because of ongoing diarrhea, belly cramping or unexplained weight loss. If you have a child who has been experiencing the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, reach out to your pediatrician. To find the cause of your symptoms, your healthcare provider may order one or more of these tests:
Management and TreatmentHow is Crohn’s disease managed or treated?Treatment for Crohn’s disease varies depending on what’s causing your symptoms and how severe they are for you. In children, the goal in treatment is to induce remission (the time between symptom flare-ups), maintain remission and manage any complications of Crohn’s disease over time. Your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of these treatments for Crohn's disease:
What are the complications of Crohn’s disease?Crohn’s disease can lead to serious complications, including:
How does Crohn’s disease affect pregnancy?Women with Crohn’s disease can, and usually do, have normal pregnancies. Your healthcare provider may recommend trying to conceive while the disease is in remission. Flare-ups during pregnancy may increase the risk of:
PreventionHow can I prevent Crohn’s disease?There’s no way to prevent Crohn’s disease. These healthy lifestyle changes can ease symptoms and reduce flare-ups:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat is the prognosis (outlook) for people with Crohn’s disease?Most people with Crohn’s disease enjoy healthy, active lives. While there isn’t a cure for Crohn’s disease, treatments and lifestyle changes can keep the disease in remission and prevent complications. Lifestyle changes can include changes to your diet. People with Crohn’s disease often need to adapt their diets so that they get enough calories each day. Lactose intolerance can also be an issue for those with Crohn’s disease. You may need to avoid certain dairy products if you find that you’re having issues with this dietary intolerance. You should also avoid smoking if you have Crohn’s disease. Smoking can only make your condition worse. Your healthcare provider might recommend you receive preventative colonoscopies after you’re diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Talk to your provider about how often you should have colonoscopies and what your risks are for other medical conditions. Living WithWhen should I call the doctor?You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
What questions should I ask my doctor?If you have Crohn’s disease, you may want to ask your healthcare provider:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Crohn’s disease flare-ups are unpredictable and can disrupt your daily life. Talk to your healthcare provider about the steps you can take to keep the disease in check. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, you can manage symptoms, avoid complications and live an active life. ResourcesCleveland Clinic PodcastsVisit our Butts & Guts Podcasts page to learn more about digestive conditions and treatment options from Cleveland Clinic experts. Where can I go for more information?The following organizations can provide more information about Crohn's disease: Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, Inc. IBD help Center. ClinicalTrials.gov What is the most common fistula in Crohn's disease?Anal fistula. This is the most common type of fistula among patients with Crohn's disease. Symptoms include a painful bump or boil around your butt. You may see an open skin abscess that drains fluid or poop.
Why is fistula common in Crohn's disease?This is because the inflammation in Crohn's disease tends to penetrate the whole thickness of the bowel wall. This creates ulcers, leaks and abscesses and as they develop a hole can start to form which then becomes a tunnel creating a fistula.
How common are fistulas in Crohn's?Women with Crohn's disease can also develop a fistula between the rectum and vagina, which may be difficult to treat. Surgical treatment depends on individual circumstances. Fistulas sound scary, but they are treatable. About 35 to 50 percent of adults with Crohn's disease will develop a fistula at some point.
Which area of the alimentary canal is the most common location for Crohn's disease?Although the terminal ileum and the right colon are the most commonly involved sites, a similar pathological and clinical disorder can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the perianal area. Only one third of patients with Crohn's disease have granulomatous inflammation.
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