Crohn’s Disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract or gut. Crohn’s can affect any part of the gut, though the most common part is the end of the ileum (the last part of the small intestine) and colon.
The areas of inflammation are often patchy with sections of healthy bowel in between. As well as affecting the lining of the bowel, Crohn’s Disease can affect deeper into the bowel wall.
Crohn’s Disease is a chronic condition that is characterised by periods of good health (remission) and flare up’s, when symptoms are more active.
Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. The most common side effects include:
- Abdominal pain and diarrhoea
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Feeling generally unwell or feverish
- Mouth ulcers
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Anaemia (a reduced level of red blood cells)
Further information about Crohn’s disease is available at the Crohn’s and Colitis UK website.
