Crohn’s disease
Long-term inflammation of the digestive tract that may cause belly pain, diarrhoea and tiredness.
If pain is sudden or severe, or comes with trouble breathing, chest pain or sudden weakness, seek emergency care immediately.
Common symptoms and how they vary
Diarrhoea, tummy pain or cramps, tiredness, weight loss, loss of appetite, and sometimes blood or mucus in the stool.
Symptoms come in flares with calmer periods, and some people get mouth ulcers, joint pain, or eye and skin problems.
Causes and risk factors
Long-term inflammation that can affect any part of the digestive tract, most often the end of the small intestine and the colon.
The cause is unknown; it is linked to genes, the immune response, gut bacteria and the environment. Smoking raises the risk and makes symptoms worse.
How it is usually diagnosed
A gastroenterologist usually leads the care.
Tests include blood tests (anaemia and inflammation), stool tests such as calprotectin, a colonoscopy with small tissue samples, and MRI or CT scans.
Treatment categories in general terms
Treatment aims to calm the inflammation, reach a calm period and keep it.
Categories include short courses of steroids, immunosuppressants, biologic therapies and nutritional support; surgery may be needed for some complications such as a narrowed bowel.
Living with the condition
Stopping smoking is one of the most important steps.
Keep a food and symptom diary to see what bothers you, ask for a dietitian, and drink enough fluids.
Get urgent care for severe tummy pain, repeated vomiting, heavy bleeding or a fever.
Common questions
Is Crohn's disease the same as IBS?
No. Crohn's is real inflammation of the bowel wall; IBS is a problem with how the bowel works, without inflammation.
Does food cause Crohn's disease?
Food does not cause it, but some foods can make symptoms worse for some people.
Questions you could ask your doctor
- How do I log digestive symptoms usefully?
- Which signs need urgent contact?
- Does food affect my symptoms?
Tools and resources
Trusted sources for further reading
General education in line with the patient pages of these sources.