Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s is one of the conditions under the umbrella of irritable bowel diseases. Crohn’s disease is chronic inflammation of the small intestine and a portion of the colon along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Another similar irritable bowel disease condition is ulcerative colitis. Colitis, though, affects the large intestine (colon).

Symptoms of Crohn’s may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloody stools
• Constipation (inability to have a bowel movement)
• Diarrhea
• Increased need for bowel movements
• Incomplete feeling following a bowel movement

BayCare gastroenterologists are able to diagnose individuals with Crohn’s disease through endoscopic procedures including a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy.

The GI tract is incredibly complex and different people may have different portions affected with their particular Crohn’s diagnosis. Below are five types of Crohn’s disease along with the portion of the GI tract they affect:

• Crohn’s colitis – affects the colon (large intestine) only
• Gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease – affects the stomach and the duodenum (first part of the small intestine)
• Ileitis – affects the ileum (final part of the small intestine) only
• Ileocolitis – affects the ileum and the colon (most common form of Crohn’s)
• Jejunoileitis– affects the jejunum (upper portion of the small intestine)

Treatment options include changes in diet, medication and in some cases, surgery. 

For more information or a physician referral, call (888) 487-9718 or find a doctor near you.