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
What is Crohn's disease?
Need to know
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What are the 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.
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How is Crohn's disease diagnosed? icon plus
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you. Depending on your symptoms, they may carry out a colonoscopy, 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 including:
- a gastroscopy
- barium studies
- a CT and MRI scan
- blood test to show the level of inflammation
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Treatment options for Crohn's disease 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
Our gastroenterologists
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.
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Wellington Digestive Health Centre
21 Wellington Road
St Johns Wood
London NW8 9SQ
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London Digestive Health
2nd Floor
41 Welbeck Street
London W1G 8DU
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London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
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London Digestive Surgery
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
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The Wellington Hospital Gastroenterology Unit
21 Wellington Road
St Johns Wood
London NW8 9SQ
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London Digestion
HCA UK at The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344