What is Crohn’s disease? A Mayo Clinic expert explains

Learn more about Crohn’s disease from gastroenterologist William Faubion, M.D.

Want to learn about Crohn’s, Listen to this video:

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes swelling and irritation of the tissues, called inflammation, in the digestive tract. This can lead to belly pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition.

Inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can affect different areas of the digestive tract in different people. Crohn’s most commonly affects the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. The inflammation often spreads into the deeper layers of the bowel.

Crohn’s disease can be both painful and debilitating. Sometimes, it may lead to serious or life-threatening complications.

There’s no known cure for Crohn’s disease, but therapies can greatly reduce its symptoms and even bring about long-term remission and healing of inflammation. With treatment, many people with Crohn’s disease can function well.