Crohn's disease
Overview
Crohn's disease is a long-term condition where part of your gut becomes inflamed. It cannot currently be cured, but there are treatments that can help prevent or manage the symptoms.
Symptoms
Crohn's disease symptoms vary, depending on which part of your gut is affected, such as your mouth, stomach, bowel or bottom (anus). Common symptoms include: diarrhoeablood or mucus in your poostomach painpain in your bottom (anus)feeling very tired or generally unwellloss of appetite and losing weightin children, not growing as expected, or delayed puberty The symptoms can be mild or severe. They usually come and go over time, called flare-ups and remissions. A flare-up can last from a few days to several months. You may also have symptoms affecting other parts of your body, such as joint pain, sore eyes and skin rashes. Symptoms most commonly start in teenagers and younger adults, but it can happen at any age.
Causes
Symptoms of Crohn's disease are caused by a problem with your immune system, which causes it to attack part of your gut. It's not fully understood why this happens. It's thought to be partly caused by the genes you inherit from your parents. You may be more likely to get Crohn's disease if: other people in your family have ityou smokeyou've recently had a stomach bugyou've had your appendix removed in the last few years
Treatment
There's currently no cure for Crohn's disease. But there are treatments that can help you stay without symptoms for long periods (in remission). The type of treatment you have will depend on your symptoms. You'll probably need different treatments over time. You'll be supported by a team of healthcare professionals including a specialist doctor (gastroenterologist). You'll have regular check-ups and tests. Treatments to prevent or treat flare-ups include: medicines to reduce inflammation in your gut, such assteroids,mesalazineorsulfasalazinemedicines to reduce the activity of your immune system (immunosuppressants), such asazathioprineor mercaptopurinemedicines that target your immune system (biological therapy), such asadalimumabor infliximabmedicines to help with symptoms, such as painkillers,laxativesor medicines to stop diarrhoea Some people may be offered a special liquid diet (enteral nutrition) instead of medicines. This may be recommended for children or people who cannot take steroids.