Understanding Crohn’s Disease
First off: What is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Crohn's Can Affect Any Part of the GI Tract
Crohn's can affect areas from the mouth to the anus. But it most commonly affects the end of the small intestine (ileum) where it links to the beginning of the colon.
Crohn’s Can Also Affect:
Even though the reasons aren’t entirely understood, the impact of IBD is not always confined to the GI tract. Some people develop symptoms related to the disease in other parts of the body. These are just a few of the areas where extraintestinal (outside of the intestines) complications may be evident.
Watch a Video on the Basics of Crohn's
When it comes to Crohn’s, the more you know, the more you can take control. If you’ve been recently diagnosed, or are curious about the condition, watch the Crohn’s 101 video for useful insight into an unpredictable disease.
Who Gets Crohn's Disease?
Want more quick facts? Download the basic guide: Crohn’s Disease 101
Differences Between Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
Ongoing inflammation of the GI tract happens with both Crohn’s and UC, but there are some key distinctions.
Crohn's Disease
- Affects any part of the GI tract (from mouth to anus)
- May appear in “patches”—leaving some sections of the GI tract untouched
- Inflammation may extend through entire thickness of bowel wall
- About 67% of people in remission will have at least 1 relapse over the next 5 years
Ulcerative Colitis
- Limited to the large intestine (colon) and the rectum
- Pattern may spread continuously to involve entire colon
- Inflammation only occurs in the innermost lining of the intestine
- About 30% of people in remission will have at least 1 relapse over the next year
Learn about treatment options for Crohn's disease.
IBD Is Not IBS
It’s important not to confuse an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—like Crohn’s or UC—with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a disorder that affects the muscle contractions of the bowel and is not characterized by intestinal inflammation, nor is it a chronic disease.
Get a Restroom Access Card* and helpful info
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*Eligibility restricted to patients diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Available as a card and mobile wallet version for your phone.
More Knowledge. More Power.
What are the symptoms of Crohn’s?
See the different symptoms and severities.
What causes Crohn’s?
Find out how it may be a result of an interaction of factors.
How do you test for Crohn’s?
Understand diagnosis and disease evaluation testing.
How is Crohn’s a progressive disease?
Find out how Crohn’s may get worse over time.
What treatments are there for Crohn’s?
Understand your medication options.
What are some tips for daily life with Crohn’s?
Get everyday advice on how to manage Crohn’s.
There are so many ways to help yourself, so you need to be proactive.
