Crohn's Disease

A long-term inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gut, causing diarrhoea, tummy pain and weight loss.

DigestionAutoimmuneLast updated: 21 October 2026

Quick Summary

Primary Symptoms

Diarrhoea, tummy pain, weight loss, tiredness, fever and sometimes blood in stool or mouth ulcers.

Common Treatments

Medicines to reduce inflammation and control the immune system, nutrition support and sometimes surgery.

Risk Factors

Family history, smoking, and being a teenager or young adult.

OverviewSymptomsCausesTreatmentFAQ

Overview

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Inflammation can occur in patches anywhere from the mouth to the anus and goes deep into the bowel wall.

It tends to flare and settle. In India, it can be confused with intestinal TB, so careful testing is needed.

Symptoms

Diarrhoea

Ongoing, sometimes with blood.

Tummy pain

Often in the lower right side.

Weight loss and tiredness

From inflammation and poor absorption.

Fever

During flares.

Causes & Risk Factors

Biological Causes

The immune system reacts abnormally against gut bacteria in genetically prone people.

Key Risk Factors

  • Family history IBD in close relatives.
  • Smoking Increases risk and severity.
  • Age Often starts between 15 and 35.

Management & Treatment

01. Medicines

Steroids for flares; immune-modifying drugs and biologics to keep it settled.

02. Nutrition

Dietitian support and supplements.

03. Surgery

For narrowings, fistulas or complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Crohn's the same as ulcerative colitis?
Both are IBD; colitis affects only the large bowel lining.
Can it be cured?
Not yet, but treatment can keep it under control.

Sources and further reading

Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.