What is Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease is a long-term inflammatory bowel disease that causes swelling and deep irritation in any part of your digestive tract, most commonly the small intestine. While there is no cure, medicines and lifestyle changes help reduce inflammation, relieve belly pain, and achieve long-term remission

Common Signs and Symptoms

• Belly pain and cramping
• Ongoing or severe diarrhea
• Unexplained weight loss and low appetite
• Extreme tiredness or low energy
• Fever or blood in the stool [1, 2]

Causes and Triggers

• Immune system issues: Your body fights harmless gut bacteria by mistake.
• Genetics: The condition can run in families.
• Environment: Diet, stress, and smoking can trigger or worsen flare-ups. [1, 2, 3]

Treatment Options

• Medicines: Anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, immune system suppressants, and biologic therapies.
• Diet and nutrition: Specialized eating plans or vitamin supplements to fix nutrient gaps.
• Surgery: Used to fix blockages, close tunnels (fistulas), or remove damaged sections of the bowel. [1, 2, 3]

source: Mayo Clinic