Conditions Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a condition in which parts of the digestive system become inflamed, causing diarrhoea, stomach aches, cramps, weight loss and fatigue. It’s a lifelong condition and can affect people of all ages. The cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, but a variety of factors may play a role including your genes, a problem with your immune system and smoking.

Crohn’s disease causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract or gut and is one of two primary forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is a chronic condition but patients may experience periods of good health (remission) or periods when symptoms worsen (relapses or flare-ups).

There is no known cure for Crohn’s disease but drugs can sometimes be used to reduce symptoms and control flare-ups. Medication can be taken on a long- or short-term basis. Most people with Crohn’s disease will not need surgery, but it remains an important and effective treatment option for some patients.