Crohn’s Disease

Understanding Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract, which can lead to severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. The inflammation often spreads deep into affected tissues, causing pain and, sometimes, life-threatening complications. Crohn’s can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, but most commonly affects the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the colon.

Symptoms vary between individuals and may fluctuate with periods of flare-ups and remission. Patients commonly experience persistent abdominal pain, often localized in specific regions, indicative of inflammation or obstruction within the intestines. The formation of fistulas, abnormal connections between different areas of the body, can occur, leading to complications such as the passage of stool through unintended pathways. Additionally, mouth ulcers, and painful sores within the oral cavity, are frequent manifestations of the disease.

Perianal abscesses, infections in the tissues surrounding the anus, can develop, resulting in pain, swelling, and sometimes fever. Severe diarrhea, a hallmark symptom, arises from the inflammation and disruption of normal bowel function, often accompanied by urgency and cramping, significantly impacting the patient’s quality of life.