🌿 Crohn’s Disease

Easy Questions & Answers for Patients

❓ What is Crohn’s disease?

🧠 Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
It causes inflammation in the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus.

❓ What causes Crohn’s disease?

❌ The exact cause is unknown, but factors include:

· 🧬 Genetics (it can run in families)

· 🛡️ Immune system problems

· 🌍 Environmental triggers

❓ What are common symptoms?

You may notice:

· 🤰 Belly pain or cramps

· 💩 Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)

· 💩 Constipation or hard stools

· ⚖️ Weight loss

· 😴 Feeling very tired

· 🌬️ Bloating or gas

❓ How does Crohn’s disease affect the intestines?

Healthy intestine: smooth, open

Crohn’s intestine: inflamed, swollen, sometimes narrow

· Inflammation can cause pain and diarrhea

· Scar tissue can cause narrowing, which may lead to constipation or blockage

❓ How is Crohn’s disease diagnosed?

🩺 Your doctor may use:

· 🧪 Blood tests

· 🔬 Stool tests

· 🔍 Endoscopy or colonoscopy

· 📸 Imaging (CT or MRI)

❓ How is Crohn’s disease treated?

✅ Medications:

· 💊 Anti-inflammatory drugs

· 🛡️ Immune system medicines

· 💧 Medicines for diarrhea or constipation

✅ Lifestyle tips:

· 🥗 Eat a healthy diet (low-fiber during flares, more fiber in remission)

· 💧 Drink plenty of water

· 🚶 Stay active

· 🪑 Use proper toilet posture

· 🧘 Manage stress

❓ Can Crohn’s disease be cured?

❌ No, but treatment can:

· ✅ Reduce inflammation

· ✅ Control symptoms

· ✅ Help people feel better and live normally

❓ When should I see a doctor?

📞 Call your doctor if you have:

· Severe belly pain

· Blood in stool

· Sudden constipation or diarrhea

· Fever or weight loss

· Persistent fatigue

🩺 Key Messages

✅ Crohn’s disease is lifelong but treatable
✅ Following your doctor’s plan helps prevent flare-ups
✅ Healthy habits, medication, and monitoring are important