Crohn's disease

Crohn's Disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the small and large intestines, but can also involve other parts of the digestive system.

Sufferers can be affected in very different ways: some have mild symptoms even without any treatment while others experience very severe forms of the disease. In mild forms, small erosions form in the inner surface of the bowel.

In more serious cases, deeper and larger ulcers can develop, causing scarring and stiffness and possibly narrowing of the bowel or obstruction. Deep ulcers can puncture holes in the bowel wall, which can lead to infection.

The most common symptoms of Crohn's Disease include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and weight loss.

The most commonly used medications in Crohn's Disease are anti-inflammatory drugs, such as salicylate preparations (related to acetyl salicyclic acid) and corticosteroids. For more serious cases, drugs that suppress the immune system are used, or surgery may be required.