Living With Crohn's Disease, Informed and Supported

If you or someone you care for has Crohn's disease, we help you understand the condition, find trusted resources, and connect with a community that gets it.

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You are not alone

Living With Crohn's Disease?

Trying to understand how Crohn's differs from other bowel conditions?
Dealing with unpredictable flares that disrupt your life?
Unsure which treatments, diets or specialists can help?
Feeling embarrassed or alone with your symptoms?
Caring for someone with Crohn's and unsure where to start?
Understanding Crohn's

What is Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease is a chronic (long-term) condition that causes inflammation of the digestive, or gastrointestinal (GI), tract. It is one of the two main types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); the other is ulcerative colitis.

Crohn's can affect any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus, but it most often involves the end of the small intestine (the ileum) and the beginning of the large intestine (the colon). The inflammation can extend deep into the layers of the bowel wall, and it often appears in patches, with healthy areas in between inflamed sections.

The exact cause is not fully understood. Crohn's is believed to result from a combination of an overactive immune response, genetics (it can run in families), and environmental factors. It is not caused by anything a person did, and it is not contagious. Diet and stress may worsen symptoms but do not cause the disease.

Related: Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Questions people ask

Crohn's Disease FAQ

What is the difference between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?
Both are the main types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn's can affect any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus, often appears in patches with healthy areas between inflamed sections, and its inflammation can extend deep into the layers of the bowel wall.
What are common Crohn's symptoms and flare triggers?
Symptoms vary from person to person and may come and go, with active periods (flares) followed by periods of few or no symptoms (remission). They may include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, blood in the stool, fatigue and low energy, unintended weight loss and reduced appetite, fever during flares, and symptoms outside the gut such as joint pain, skin rashes, or eye irritation. Diet and stress may worsen symptoms but do not cause the disease.
How is Crohn's diagnosed, and who treats it?
Diagnosis typically involves a review of symptoms and medical history, blood and stool tests, and procedures such as a colonoscopy (often with a biopsy) and imaging studies like CT or MRI scans. Care is usually coordinated with digestive-health specialists (gastroenterologists); the American College of Gastroenterology, listed in Resources below, offers patient education.
Does diet affect Crohn's disease?
Diet and stress may worsen symptoms for some people, but they do not cause the disease. There is no single diet that works for everyone. Talk with your care team about eating patterns and nutritional support that fit your needs.
Can Crohn's be treated?
There is currently no cure, but Crohn's can be well managed. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and maintain remission. Options include anti-inflammatory drugs, immune-modifying medications, biologic therapies, nutritional support, and, in some cases, surgery. With the right care team and treatment plan, most people with Crohn's live full, active lives.
Trusted links

Crohn's Disease resources

Reviewed organizations and patient education for people living with Crohn's and their care-partners.

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How to get started

You do not have to face Crohn's alone

If you are living with Crohn's disease, or caring for someone who is, join our community and we will connect you to trusted information, education and support.

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The information on this page is for education only and is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Consult a medical professional about your health.