About this condition
Crohn’s disease may affect different areas of the gastrointestinal tract, with periods of flare-up and remission. Common symptoms include prolonged diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. Fever, anaemia and symptoms involving the skin, joints or eyes can also occur.
Clinical features
Complications can include perianal inflammation, fistulas, abscesses and bowel narrowing. Unlike irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease involves tissue inflammation. Diarrhoea or right-sided abdominal pain alone is not enough to establish a diagnosis without objective assessment.
Important differences and warning signs
Diagnosis usually combines history, blood and stool tests, colonoscopy with biopsies and, when indicated, imaging of the small bowel. C-reactive protein and faecal calprotectin may help monitor activity. Bring previous endoscopy and pathology reports and details of medicines, hospital admissions or operations.
Assessment and individual care
Treatment aims to control inflammation, sustain remission and reduce complications. Options may include anti-inflammatory, immune-modifying or targeted therapies, and selected complications may require surgery at a specialist centre. Do not stop prescribed maintenance medication without medical advice.
Related information: Ulcerative colitis; Persistent diarrhoea.
Signs and symptoms
- Persistent diarrhoea, recurring abdominal pain and sometimes rectal bleeding.
- Weight loss, fatigue, anaemia or fever during active inflammation.
- Perianal pain or discharge, and possible symptoms affecting joints, eyes or skin.
Diagnosis and tests
A clinician combines examination, tests, colonoscopy with biopsies and small-bowel imaging as appropriate. Symptom relief alone does not prove that inflammation has resolved.
Care and treatment approaches
An individual long-term plan may involve medical treatment, monitoring and referral to specialised services for complications. Do not discontinue maintenance treatment on your own.
When to seek urgent care
Severe pain with vomiting and inability to pass gas, fever with a painful perianal swelling, heavy bleeding or severe dehydration require urgent assessment. Call 103 for an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Can a blood test alone confirm Crohn’s disease?
No. Diagnosis relies on symptoms, endoscopy and biopsies, with additional imaging or tests when needed.
Do I need follow-up during remission?
Yes. Inflammation and complications can occur even when daily symptoms are minimal.
Does Crohn’s disease always require surgery?
No. Surgery is considered for particular complications or when other treatment is insufficient; decisions are individual.
Information sources
Medical source links used when preparing this article.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
