Crohn's disease
Last Updated: July 3, 2026
Key Points
- Long-term inflammation of the gut
- No current cure, but symptoms are manageable
- Symptoms vary and can come and go (flare-ups)
- Can affect any part of the digestive tract
Overview
Crohn's disease is a chronic condition where parts of your digestive system become inflamed. This inflammation can occur anywhere from your mouth to your anus, but most commonly affects the small and large intestines. It's a lifelong condition with no current cure, but treatments can significantly help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and often appear in cycles, with periods of active disease (flare-ups) followed by periods of remission. The condition typically begins in teenagers and young adults, though it can develop at any age. Early diagnosis and ongoing management are key to controlling the disease. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications. This often involves a combination of medications, dietary adjustments, and sometimes surgery. Regular check-ups with a specialist team are essential to adapt treatment as needed.
Signs and Symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Blood or mucus in stool
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Pain in the bottom (anus)
- Feeling very tired or generally unwell
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Delayed growth or puberty in children
- Joint pain, sore eyes, or skin rashes
Things That Increase the Risk
- Age (most commonly starts in teenagers and young adults)
- Smoking (increases risk of flare-ups)
- Genetic predisposition
- Environmental factors
Diagnosis
- Blood tests
- Stool sample tests
- Endoscopy or colonoscopy (tube with camera to view gut)
- Biopsy (small tissue sample from the gut)
- Scans (MRI, CT, or ultrasound)
Treatment & Management
- Medicines to reduce gut inflammation (e.g., steroids, mesalazine)
- Medicines to reduce immune system activity (immunosuppressants)
- Targeted immune system medicines (biological therapy)
- Medicines for symptom relief (e.g., painkillers, anti-diarrhea)
- Special liquid diet (enteral nutrition)
- Surgery to remove damaged gut sections
- Surgery to create a stoma (ileostomy or colostomy)
Prevention
- Maintain a healthy, balanced diet
- Keep a diary of symptoms and triggers
- Avoid smoking
- Get recommended vaccinations (e.g., flu, pneumococcal)
Available Treatments
Explore our range of treatment options for Crohn's disease:
Surgical Options
Learn about surgical procedures available for Crohn's disease:
Contents
Quick Info
Affects
Gut (mouth to anus)
Prevalence
Common, often in young adults
Diagnosis
Endoscopy, scans, blood tests
Treatment
Medications, surgery, diet
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Vijay Bhat
Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
Reviewed on July 3, 2026
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