What is Crohn’s Disease?

In Crohn's disease, swelling and irritation can be found in the lining of the intestine and can also involve the whole thickness of the bowel wall. Crohn's disease typically occurs in the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum. However, it can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus.

People of all age groups can have Crohn's disease, but it usually begins in the late teens and early adulthood. Twenty percent of all Crohn's cases affect children.

Causes of Crohn's Disease Show

While there is no known cause for Crohn’s, one theory is that the body’s immune system reacts to a virus or bacteria and causes swelling in the intestine.

Immune system issues commonly occur alongside Crohn’s, although it’s not yet known if they are a side effect or a cause of the disease.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease Show

The typical symptoms of Crohn’s disease are similar to other intestinal conditions, making it hard to diagnose. Common symptoms of Crohn’s include:

Loose, watery or frequent bowel movements (diarrhea)
Abdominal pain
Rectal bleeding (blood with bowel movements)
Fever
Lack of appetite
Weight loss
Stunted growth
Fatigue or tiredness
Joint pain

Diagnosing Crohn’s Disease Show

A complete physical exam and medical history are taken to help diagnose Crohn's disease. In addition, several tests may be needed.

Blood tests check for anemia (low red blood cell count) and can show if there is an increased number of white blood cells, which may mean an infection or inflammation is somewhere in the body.
Stool cultures tell if there is an infection by a parasite, virus or bacteria. Stool can also be tested for blood that is not seen on the stool.
Upper endoscopy is a procedure that uses a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope), allowing the doctor to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Tissue samples may be taken for further examination (see biopsy).
Colonoscopy is a test that uses a long, flexible tube with a light and camera lens at the end (colonoscope), allowing the doctor to examine the large intestine. Tissue samples may be taken for further examination (see biopsy).
Biopsy is a tissue sample taken for examination and testing in a laboratory. For Crohn's disease, the tissue sample is taken from inside the digestive tract.
Upper gastrointestinal / GI series is a procedure that examines the stomach and small intestine. Barium is swallowed and then followed with an X-ray of the intestine.
CT (Computed Tomography) scan is a CAT scan, which uses X-ray to take pictures of the inside of the body so the doctors can look at the entire bowel for thickening or inflammation.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) takes pictures of the entire body but does not use radiation. This scan also allows the doctors to look at the entire bowel for thickening or swelling.

Treating Crohn’s Disease Show

There is no known cure for Crohn's disease, but there are treatment methods that can help control the disease.

Read about treatment options.