Crohn's Disease

Key points

• Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue are common but require testing because infection and other bowel disease can look similar.
• Treatment aims for healing and complication prevention, not only temporary suppression of symptoms.
• Corticosteroids can induce remission but are unsuitable for long-term maintenance because cumulative harms are substantial.

The listings below are not interchangeable Crohn’s therapies; disease location, behaviour, severity and infection risk guide selection.

Measuring disease and complications

Blood and stool inflammation markers, ileocolonoscopy and small-bowel imaging define extent and activity. Perianal examination matters when pain or drainage is present. Anaemia, nutrition, bone health and extraintestinal joint, skin or eye disease are assessed alongside bowel symptoms.

Building durable control

Immunomodulators, biologics and targeted oral medicines have different mechanisms, onset and monitoring needs. Screening for tuberculosis, hepatitis and vaccination status precedes significant immune suppression. Surgery treats obstruction, abscess or damaged bowel but does not eliminate the underlying tendency to recur.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent care for severe or increasing abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen abdomen, inability to pass stool or gas, heavy bleeding, high fever or a painful perianal swelling.

Further reading

• What Is Crohn’s Disease? Symptoms & Treatment
• CROHN’S DISEASE - Crohn’s & Colitis UK
• Crohn’s disease - Healthdirect