Definition & Facts
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, or long-lasting, disease that causes inflammation and irritation in your digestive tract.
Symptoms & Causes
The most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease are diarrhea, cramping and pain in your abdomen, and weight loss. Doctors aren’t sure what causes Crohn’s disease.
Diagnosis
Doctors typically do not use a single test to diagnose Crohn’s disease. You may need a combination of tests. Your doctor will also ask you about your medical history and your family history and will perform a physical exam.
Treatment
Doctors treat Crohn’s disease with medicines, bowel rest, and surgery. The goal of treatment is to decrease the inflammation in your intestines, to prevent flare-ups of your symptoms, and to keep you in remission.
Eating, Diet, & Nutrition
Good nutrition can help you manage Crohn’s disease. Changing your diet can help reduce symptoms. Depending on your symptoms or medicines, your doctor may recommend a specific diet, such as a diet that is high calorie, lactose free, or low fat.
Clinical Trials
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions.