Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease involving all layers of the intestinal wall and any part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is characterised by patchy mucosal lesions containing ulcers, fissures, and granulomas.
Overview
What is Crohn's Disease?
Symptoms
What are the signs of Crohn's Disease?
The symptoms of Crohn's Disease vary depending on the severity. Some of the symptoms may include:
Diarrhoea with or without blood
Abdominal pain/cramps
Blood in the stool
Bloating
Fatigue, anaemia
Poor appetite, weight loss, malnutrition
Steatorrhoea (fatty stool)
Nausea and vomiting
Anal-rectal complications such as fistulae, fissures, or perirectal abscesses
Rectal bleeding
Fever
Causes
What are the causes of Crohn's Disease?
It isn’t clear what causes Crohn’s disease. However, the following factors may influence the risk of developing it:
Compromised immune system
Genetics
Recurring gastrointestinal infections
Environment
Diagnosis
How do I know if I have Crohn's Disease?
No single test is enough for a diagnosis of Crohn's disease. However, useful tests your doctor/practitioner might recommend include:
Full blood count (FBC)
GI Mapping stool test
Endoscopy/Colonoscopy