Crohn’s disease is a long-term inflammatory bowel disease that gradually worsens over time. Symptoms can vary overtime and can sometimes disappear for months or even years. Crohn’s disease causes inflammation in the intestines, stomach, and GI tract, which runs from the mouth to the anus. There are five different types of Crohn’s disease that can each affect different parts of the GI tract. These five types include gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease, jejunoileitis, ileitis, ileocolitis, and Crohn’s colitis. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of Crohn’s disease.
Crohn’s disease is often a lifelong condition with symptoms that can change and worsen over time. Due to long-term inflammation, the GI tract can get damaged overtime, causing the symptoms to worsen. Symptoms don’t usually follow a certain pattern; therefore, it is hard to predict when someone will have a flare-up or how long they will stay in remission.
Even though Crohn’s is currently not curable, the right treatment can help reduce inflammation and prevent more damage in the future. Different treatments that can help, include the right medication, a good diet, and oftentimes, surgery.
Read more about the different stages of Crohn’s disease.
