Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It can affect any part of the digestive system, but it most commonly impacts the end of the small intestine (ileum) and the beginning of the large intestine (colon). Symptoms often include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue, and they can range from mild to severe. Crohn's is characterized by periods of flare-ups followed by remission, making it a challenging condition to manage.
While the exact cause of Crohn's is still unknown, a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune factors is believed to play a role in its development. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examinations, lab tests, imaging studies, and endoscopy. Although there is currently no cure for Crohn's disease, various treatments are available, aimed at reducing inflammation and managing symptoms. These can include anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, and, in some cases, surgery to remove damaged sections of the digestive tract.