Crohn's Disease


Crohn's disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (gut). The exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. It is thought that there may be a genetic link because there is some evidence that it runs in families. One in ten people with the condition have a close relative who also has it.

The inflammation often causes one or more of the following symptoms:
Pain the site of the pain will depend on which part of the gut is affected.
Ulcers
Diarrhoea
Fever and extreme tiredness,
Loss of appetite and weight,
Anaemia
The skin of the anus may become cracked, bleed and be painful.

Medicines to reduce the inflammation in the gut are commonly used to treat Crohn's disease when it first develops. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for more details.