Crohn’s disease
What is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in your digestive tract (which runs from your mouth to your anus). It belongs to a group of conditions known as inflammatory bowel diseases, or IBD, and most commonly affects the small intestine.1,2
Although Crohn’s disease may happen at any age, it typically appears in younger people (late 20s or early 30s).3 Crohn‘s disease can prevent your body from absorbing enough nutrients to keep you nourished, which may lead to a number of complications.2
What are the common symptoms of Crohn’s disease?1-3
Signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease can range from mild to severe and usually develop gradually. They may be constant, or may come and go every few weeks or months – when symptoms come back, it’s called a ‘flare-up’. There’s no way to predict when flare-ups will happen.
The most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:
- Diarrhoea with blood in your stool
- Cramping and pain in your belly
- Fever
- Mouth sores
- Reduced appetite, feeling sick, tired and losing weight
What causes Crohn’s disease?
Previously, diet and stress were suspected as the main cause of Crohn’s disease, but now doctors know that these factors may aggravate, but don‘t cause, Crohn‘s disease. Several factors may play a role in its development, including:1,2
- Family history – you are more likely to develop Crohn’s disease if a close relative has it
- Smoking
- A previous stomach bug
- An abnormal balance of gut bacteria
- Certain medications such as anti-inflammatory medications (while they do not cause Crohn’s disease, they can lead to inflammation of the bowel and make Crohn’s disease worse)
Crohn’s disease is equally common in men and women.3
What can I do if I have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease can be managed with different therapy options and medication. Your doctor will make a treatment plan for you and provide you with all the necessary information you need. Always take your medication as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
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For more information on Crohn’s disease:
- Visit the NHS’s dedicated web page on Crohn’s disease
- Visit Crohn’s & Colitis UK a patient support group established in 1979.
Your doctor may also recommend that you make changes to your diet and lifestyle to help reduce symptoms, such as:4,5
Avoid fizzy drinks and minimise caffeine and alcohol
Avoid high-fibre foods such as popcorn, vegetable skins and nuts
Drink more liquids
Eat small meals, more often
Keep a food diary to help identify foods that cause problems
Stop smoking
Lower your stress through meditation or exercise and/or see a mental health professional
Your doctor may also recommend nutritional supplements and vitamins if you do not absorb enough nutrients. Always talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using dietary supplements.
References
- National Health Service (NHS). April 2021. Crohn’s disease – overview. Last accessed July 2024
- Mayo Clinic. August 2022. Crohn’s disease. Last accessed July 2024
- Cleveland Clinic. May 2020. Crohn’s disease. Last accessed July 2024
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH). September 2017. Eating, diet & nutrition for Crohn’s disease. Last accessed July 2024
- Harvard Health Publishing. December 2019. Living with Crohn’s disease: recognizing and managing flares. Last accessed July 2024
UK-UZPRU-36e | July 2024
