What Is Crohn's Disease? 

Crohn's disease is a complex digestive condition. It can be difficult to diagnose because signs and symptoms often mimic other conditions. Diagnosing your condition can take some time. Our experts work to ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis. We are nationally recognized for delivering both traditional and novel treatments.

Crohn's Disease and Your Digestive Tract

To understand Crohn's disease, it is helpful to understand more about your digestive tract. Your digestive tract normally contains harmless bacteria that help you digest food. When you have Crohn's disease:

• These bacteria trigger your immune system to attack itself.
• The attack causes inflammation that can lead to painful ulcers and abnormal thickening in your intestinal walls.

Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from your mouth to your anus. However, it most commonly affects the lower part of your small intestine or the right side of your colon. This condition can run in families, so if a close relative such as your parent, child or sibling has Crohn's disease, you may be more likely to get it.

Crohn's Disease and IBD

Crohn's disease is one of a group of diseases known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Unlike other forms of IBD, the inflammation in Crohn's disease can skip over parts of your intestine, leaving normal areas in between patches of diseased intestine. Learn more about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Crohn's Disease Symptoms

The symptoms of Crohn's disease can vary greatly, depending on which part of your intestine is affected. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea and anal fissures. Learn more about Crohn's disease symptoms.

Causes of Crohn's Disease

We do not fully understand what causes Crohn's disease. Diet and stress can make your symptoms worse, but they do not cause the disease. It is more common among people of eastern European descent.

Crohn's Disease Diagnosis

Crohn's disease can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms resemble those of other medical conditions. Much of the diagnosis phase is focused on ruling out other conditions, such as chronic diarrhea. We use advanced tests, such as endoscopy, to confirm a diagnosis so we can plan your treatment. Learn more about Crohn's disease diagnosis.

Crohn's Disease Treatments

The goal of treatments for Crohn's disease is to manage and control your symptoms. We have extensive experience caring for patients with the most complex forms of this disease. Learn more about Crohn's disease treatments.