Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is an ongoing (chronic) condition that may flare up throughout your life. It affects different people in different ways. Some people may have only mild symptoms. Others may have severe symptoms or Reference complications that, in rare cases, may be life-threatening.

The disease may be:

• Mild.
• Moderate.
• Severe.
• Not active (in Reference remission Opens New Window).

Crohn's disease may be defined by the part of the digestive tract involved, such as the rectum and anus (perianal disease) or the area where the small intestine joins the large intestine (ileocecal disease). Some people may have features of both Crohn's disease and Reference ulcerative colitis Opens New Window, the other major type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Complications

Because Crohn's disease can cause inflammation in parts of the intestines that absorb nutrients from food, it can cause deficiencies in vitamin B12, folic acid, or other nutrients. The disease can increase the risk of Reference gallstones Opens New Window, Reference kidney stones Opens New Window, and certain uncommon forms of Reference anemia Opens New Window.

In long-term Crohn's disease, scar tissue may replace some of the inflamed or ulcerated intestines. This scar tissue can form blockages (bowel obstructions) or narrowed areas (strictures) that can prevent stool from passing through the intestines. Blockages in the intestines also can be caused by inflammation and swelling, which may improve with medicines. Sometimes blockages can only be treated with surgery.

If sores break through the wall of the intestines, abnormal connections or openings (Reference fistulas Opens New Window) may form. Fistulas can form between two parts of the intestines, between the intestines and other organs (such as the bladder or vagina), or between the intestines and the skin. In rare cases, this can lead to infection of the abdominal wall.

Cancer risk

Crohn's disease of the colon and rectum that has been present for 8 years or longer increases the Reference risk of cancer. With regular screening, some cancers can be found early and treated successfully.

Pregnancy

Most women who have Crohn's disease can have a normal pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. The best idea is to wait until the disease is in remission before becoming pregnant. Women who become pregnant when their disease is under control are more likely to avoid flare-ups during pregnancy.

Some medicines used to treat the disease can be used during pregnancy. It's a good idea to talk with your doctor about which medicines are okay. But sometimes severe Crohn's disease can harm your baby more than medicines to keep it under control.

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