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Crohn's disease

A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Crohn's disease is an inflammation of any part of your digestive tract — we can treat and relieve your symptoms

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About Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal (digestive) tract. It's a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like ulcerative colitis (UC). Unlike ulcerative colitis, Crohn's can affect any part of your digestive tract, from your mouth to your back passage. It's fairly common, affecting around 80,000 people in the UK.

Need to know

  • Symptoms of Crohn's disease icon plus

    Crohn's disease can affect any part of your digestive system, but it tends to appear near the junction of the small and large intestine. The inflammation caused by Crohn's is more intense than ulcerative colitis and can lead to a narrowing in the intestine and blockages. Symptoms of Crohn's disease might include:

    • chronic diarrhoea
    • abdominal pain
    • anal inflammation and fistulas
    • weight loss
    • fatigue
    • blood and mucus in your faeces 

    The severity of these symptoms will vary over time, from mild at times to serious at others. We can help you manage your symptoms and lessen the impact of Crohn's on your life.

  • Diagnosis icon plus

    Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you. Depending on your symptoms, they may carry out a colonoscopy at a later date, which involves examining your digestive tract by inserting a flexible camera into your large and small intestine. They may also carry out other diagnostic tests. These may include:

    • gastroscopy
    • barium studies
    • CT and MRI scans
    • blood test to show the level of inflammation

  • Potential treatment options icon plus

    We offer a range of treatment options for Crohn's disease that can help to relieve your symptoms and help you live a normal life. These might include:

    • anti-TNF and biologic agents to target TNF, one of the main mediators of inflammation
    • immunosuppressive drugs to keep Crohn's under control during remission
    • steroids for Crohn's in the last section of the bowel
    • special diet plans (polymeric or elemental liquid)
    • antibiotics for flare-ups or specific infections
    • 5ASA drugs
    • surgery to remove blockages in the intestine
Consultant in theatres

Our consultants

We're proud to work with leading experts across a range of medical fields, whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion.

Our locations

From complex gastrointestinal and colorectal surgery to investigative procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
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