[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2019\/11\/about-crohns-disease\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2019\/11\/about-crohns-disease\/","headline":"What Is Crohn\u2019s Disease?","name":"What Is Crohn\u2019s Disease?","description":"Crohn\u2019s disease is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that leads to inflammation in the digestive system. Learn more from the experts at UPMC.","datePublished":"2019-11-27","dateModified":"2023-11-02","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/digestive-disorders-regions","name":"Digestive Disorders","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/digestive-disorders-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/digestive-disorders\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/crohns_blg.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/crohns_blg.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2019\/11\/about-crohns-disease\/","about":["Family Health","Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":650,"articleBody":"Crohn\u2019s disease is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that leads to inflammation in the digestive system. Crohn\u2019s disease can affect the entire digestive tract from the mouth to the anus, but the disease most commonly affects the end of the small intestine and the colon.What Causes Crohn’s Disease?While the exact cause of this disease is unknown, recent research suggests that Crohn\u2019s disease may be caused by increased activity of the immune system. This activity is possibly triggered by a certain type of bacteria or virus. It then leads to inflammation and other symptoms in the digestive tract.It is also likely that environmental factors have a role in development of IBD or can worsen inflammation, such as cigarette smoking, certain medications (NSAIDs), and diet. Lastly, certain factors that you can\u2019t control, such as your age, ethnicity, and family history increase your risk of IBD.What are the Symptoms of Crohn\u2019s Disease? Symptoms of Crohn\u2019s disease can vary widely from patient to patient. Common symptoms include the following:Chronic diarrhea, often including blood, mucus, or pus.Weight loss.Fever.Fatigue.Abdominal pain or tenderness.A feeling of tightness or fullness in the abdomen.Rectal bleeding.Several complications are associated with Crohn\u2019s disease, including:Intestinal blockages or narrowing caused by scar tissue.Fistulas \u2013 abnormal connections between two parts of the body, including the intestine or skin.Abscesses \u2013 collections of pus that can lead to fevers.Colon Cancer \u2013 caused by chronic inflammation of the colon.Patients with Crohn\u2019s disease can also experience symptoms outside of the digestive system, such as inflammation of joints leading to pain and swelling, inflammation of the eyes leading to redness, pain, and changes in vision, and liver and kidney complications.All of these symptoms can last days, weeks or even months, followed by long periods of remission.How is Crohn\u2019s Disease Diagnosed? Crohn\u2019s disease is typically diagnosed by a gastroenterologist, a physician who specializes in the function and diseases of the digestive tract. Diagnosing Crohn\u2019s disease can be complex and challenging, because it shares so many symptoms with other diseases, particularly other forms of IBD like ulcerative colitis.Because of this complexity, there is no single test that can diagnose Crohn\u2019s disease.Your physician will likely run several of a number of lab tests:Blood count tests.C-reactive protein tests.An electrolyte panel.Iron and B12 level tests.Liver function tests.You will likely also undergo a number of imaging studies and exams of the digestive tract that will help your physician to determine the location of inflammation within the body:ColonoscopyCapsule endoscopyCT ScanMRIThese tests will help your physician diagnose your illness and determine a relevant therapy.How is Crohn\u2019s Disease Treated? Although there is no cure for Crohn\u2019s disease, there are many treatments that can help people manage their symptoms and live a good, quality life. There is no one treatment that helps every patient, so treatment responses are highly individualized. Treatment goals are to reduce inflammation, improve long-term health, and, in the best cases, guide patients toward long-term remission.Your physician may start by suggesting that you make changes in your diet, focusing on low fiber or low-residue foods. They may also suggest one or more of the following medications:Anti-inflammatory drugs.Immune system suppressors.Antibiotics.Over the counter medications that treat symptoms, like anti-diarrheal medications and vitamin supplements.If these treatments do not relieve your inflammation and the disease continues to progress or if your disease is very severe to begin with, surgery may be an option to remove unhealthy tissue to help your digestive system operate well again.With proper treatment, it\u2019s possible for people with Crohn\u2019s disease to lead full and healthy lives.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on November 27, 2019, and was last reviewed on November 2, 2023."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2019","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2019\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"11","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2019\/\/11\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What Is Crohn\u2019s Disease?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2019\/11\/about-crohns-disease\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]