WHAT IS
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE?

Crohn’s disease is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It can affect any part of the GI tract from mouth to anus.

• Can affect any part of the digestive tract (from mouth to anus).
• Inflammation can occur through all layers of the intestinal wall.
• May cause complications like strictures, fistulas, and malabsorption.

• Affects only the colon (large intestine) and rectum.
• Inflammation is usually continuous and limited to the inner lining of the colon.
• Can lead to ulcers, bleeding, and long-term colon damage.

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Chronic diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus)
• Urgent bowel movements
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Fever during flare-ups

Symptoms typically come and go in flares, with periods of remission.

The exact cause is unknown, but IBD is believed to result from a combination of:

• Genetic predisposition
• Immune system dysfunction (the body attacks its own intestines)
• Environmental triggers (stress, infections, diet, smoking)
• Gut microbiome imbalance

While there is no cure, IBD can be managed with:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aminosalicylates, corticosteroids)
• Immunosuppressants and biologics
• Diet and lifestyle changes
• Surgery in severe or unresponsive cases