What Is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is swelling and irritation of the digestive tract. It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is often found in the intestines. All layers of the digestive tract may be affected. While this disease has no cure, the symptoms can be treated. Help manage your symptoms by following your doctor’s advice and watching what you eat.

Any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, can be affected. It is often found where the small intestine and colon meet.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

• Abdominal pain and bloating after meals

• Sores in the anal area

• High fever and chills

• Loss of appetite; possible weight loss

• Bloody diarrhea

• Nausea or vomiting

Your Treatment Options

Your doctor will discuss your treatment options with you. They may include medications, lifestyle changes, surgery, or a combination of these. Treatment helps you stay as active as you want to be. Keep in mind that Crohn’s is considered chronic. That means it usually can’t be cured. But treatment may ease symptoms. And even though you have a chronic illness, you can still live a full life.

Crohn’s disease can affect all the layers of the digestive tract.

Medications

Certain medications can help your symptoms. These may include:

• A type of anti-inflammatory medication (called 5-ASA compounds) to help reduce intestinal swelling and discomfort

• Corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation (swelling, irritation)

• Antibiotics to fight bacteria that may lead to infection

• Medications to control your body’s immune system

Lifestyle Changes

• Certain foods can worsen symptoms. You may need to change what you eat. Avoid any food that makes your symptoms worse. These foods vary from person to person. But high-fiber foods (such as fresh vegetables) and high-fat foods (such as dairy products and red meat) cause symptoms in many people. Keep track of foods that cause you problems.

• To a lesser degree, stress also can worsen symptoms. Reducing stress may help. Techniques like relaxation exercises, meditation, and deep breathing can help you control stress. Your healthcare provider may be able to tell you more about these.

If Surgery Is Needed

Surgery may help control Crohn’s, relieving digestive tract symptoms. Surgery can remove a severely affected part of the digestive tract. If this is an option for you, your doctor can give you more information.