What is Crohn's disease?
Crohn's disease is a common inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that occurs when chronic swelling causes damage anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract. Recurring inflammation causes the intestinal wall to thicken and develop ulcers, which can cause additional health complications if left untreated. Although Crohn’s is a lifelong, chronic condition that cannot be cured, our experts at the MedStar Georgetown IBD Center can help you achieve remission, manage your symptoms, and reclaim your quality of life.
What causes Crohn’s disease?
There is no known cause of Crohn’s disease. While diet and stress can worsen symptoms, they are not the cause of the inflammation. Rather, inflammation is caused by the immune system overreacting to harmless bacteria in the GI tract. That’s why Crohn’s is considered an autoimmune disorder.
Research suggests that Crohn’s disease could be linked to genetic factors. As a result, you may have an increased risk of developing Crohn’s if you have an immediate family member, such as a parent, child, or sibling, who is diagnosed with IBD.
Both men and women can develop the disease. Other risk factors for Crohn’s include:
- Age: Crohn’s generally affects younger people, with most diagnoses occurring between 15 and 35.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoking is linked to Crohn’s and can worsen the disease and symptoms
Crohn’s disease symptoms and other complications
Crohn’s affects everyone differently. However, people with the disease may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Changes in bowel habits (usually diarrhea, but occasionally constipation)
- Weight loss
- Fever
Left untreated, Crohn’s or medications used to treat it may lead to additional symptoms within and outside of the GI tract, such as:
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Bowel obstruction (blockage)
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Dysplasia (precancerous changes to skin, colon, and other organs)
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Fistulas (abnormal connections) between the bowels and other organs
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Fissures (tears in the anus lining)
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Strictures (narrowing of the intestines)
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Abscess (collection of pus)
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Skin rashes and bumps
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Malnutrition (due to poor nutrient absorption and vitamin deficiency)
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Liver complications
Even when managed, Crohn’s can cause flare-ups or worsening symptoms throughout an individual’s lifetimes. Because uncontrolled inflammation can lead to additional health problems, it’s important to work with an IBD specialist to manage the condition and minimize related risks.
Crohn’s disease and colon cancer
People with Crohn’s disease in the colon may have an increased risk of colon cancer and should have routine screenings. Colonoscopies can help ensure your doctor finds and removes signs of precancerous changes early before cancer develops. Additionally, patients taking certain IBD medications should undergo regular skin exams and pap smears (women) to help prevent or detect signs of skin cancer and cervical cancer.
Diagnosis
To diagnose Crohn’s disease, your doctor will conduct a thorough physical exam and ask questions about your medical history, family history, and lifestyle. Several different tests can help confirm your diagnosis. These may include:
- Blood tests, to evaluate your red and white blood cell count
- Stool cultures and other tests, to look for any abnormal bacteria in your GI system or signs of inflammation
- Upper endoscopy, which uses a thin lighted tube to assess your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum)
- Colonoscopy, to examine your entire large intestine
- Upper GI series (barium swallow), which involves swallowing a fluid to coat your GI organs for visibility on X-ray
- Advanced imaging, such as CT scans or MRI enterography for additional views of your abdomen
- Video capsule endoscopy, which uses a pill-sized device to take pictures of your GI tract
- Bedside intestinal ultrasound, utilizing old technology for new indications to help you monitor your disease activity with the IBD team
Crohn’s disease medications and treatment
There are several different medications we can use to treat Crohn’s disease. Our goal is to control inflammation and minimize symptoms, or “remission.” Just like you would continue to take prescriptions to manage diabetes or high blood pressure, it’s important to take your Crohn’s disease medications even while you’re in remission.
Your treatment will vary based on the severity of your symptoms, your overall health, and preferences. Your doctor will discuss the pros and cons of your various medication options, which may include anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, advanced therapies, such as biologics or small molecules, and/or antibiotics.
Because certain medications can increase your risk of other health concerns, our Crohn’s disease experts work diligently to help coordinate vaccinations, routine lab work, cancer screenings, and specialty care, when you need it.
Learn more about IBD treatment
Surgery
Surgery may be an option for patients who don’t find relief with medication or those who experience further complications, such as bowel obstruction or infection. In these instances, we work closely with our partners in colorectal surgery to address any serious health concerns.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Aaron Michael Fond, MD
Gastroenterology
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Parnia Ghazanfari, PA-C
Gastroenterology
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Joseph James Jennings, MD
Gastroenterology
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Raena S. Olsen, DO
Gastroenterology
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Jose Mari Deguia Parungao, MD
Gastroenterology
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Shannan Elizabeth Richardson, CRNP
Gastroenterology
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Abhinav Sankineni, MD
Gastroenterology
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Atul Rasiklal Shah, MD
Gastroenterology
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Konika Sharma, MD
Gastroenterology
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Danny T. Shearer, MD
Gastroenterology
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Jill P. Smith, MD
Gastroenterology
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Gary William Thompson, MD
Gastroenterology
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Richard B Williams, MD
Gastroenterology
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Angeline Kathlene Williams, AGACNP
Gastroenterology
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Marc Lyle Kozam, MD
Gastroenterology
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Joshua Aaron Rosenbloom, DO
Gastroenterology
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Frequently asked questions
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How is Crohn’s disease different from IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of conditions caused by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn’s disease is one of the most common types of IBD, along with ulcerative colitis.
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What is the difference between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are both chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, meaning they involve lifelong swelling in the GI tract. The two conditions share many similar symptoms but vary slightly in treatment approaches. However, they vary in their location and appearance.
Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation anywhere from the mouth to the anus and often looks “patchy” with spots of inflammation at varying locations throughout the tract. In contrast, ulcerative colitis involves continuous inflammation contained in the colon (large intestine).
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What foods should people with Crohn’s disease avoid?
Crohn’s is not caused by eating or drinking certain food or beverages. And, everyone’s body reacts differently to food. However, some people may notice specific foods or food groups worsen symptoms during flare-ups. For some, spicy or high-fiber foods can aggravate symptoms, as can dairy products if you are lactose-intolerant.
Certain diets may help to ease symptoms but should not be used as the sole treatment. Research suggests that eating a Mediterranean diet high in fiber and plant-based foods is as effective and less restrictive than the Specific Carbohydrate DietTM, which completely excludes grains, fiber, and certain sugars. It’s always best to talk to your doctor or a dietitian about your unique nutritional needs and what will help your Crohn’s symptoms.
Some children with Crohn’s disease may benefit from exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), which is a special formula that contains all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals the body needs.