Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease can affect any part of your digestive system, but it tends to appear near the junction of the small and large intestine. The inflammation caused by Crohn's is more intense than ulcerative colitis and can lead to a narrowing in the intestine and blockages. Symptoms of Crohn's disease might include:

• chronic diarrhoea
• abdominal pain
• anal inflammation and fistulas
• weight loss
• fatigue
• blood and mucus in your faeces 

The severity of these symptoms will vary over time, from mild at times to serious at others. We can help you manage your symptoms and lessen the impact of Crohn's on your life.

Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you. Depending on your symptoms, they may carry out a colonoscopy, which involves examining your digestive tract by inserting a flexible camera into your large and small intestine. They may also carry out other diagnostic tests including:

• a gastroscopy
• barium studies
• a CT and MRI scan
• blood test to show the level of inflammation

We offer a range of treatment options for Crohn's disease that can help to relieve your symptoms and help you live a normal life. These might include:

• anti-TNF and biologic agents to target TNF, one of the main mediators of inflammation
• immunosuppressive drugs to keep Crohn's under control during remission
• steroids for Crohn's in the last section of the bowel
• special diet plans (polymeric or elemental liquid)
• antibiotics for flare-ups or specific infections
• 5ASA drugs
• surgery to remove blockages in the intestine