Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that primarily involves the small and/or large intestine. Crohn’s disease can be a chronic, recurrent condition, or it can cause minimal symptoms. In mild forms, Crohn’s disease causes scattered, shallow, ulcers in the inner surface of the bowel. In more serious cases, deeper and larger ulcers can develop, causing scarring, stiffness, and possibly narrowing of the bowel, sometimes leading to obstruction. Deep ulcers can puncture holes in the bowel wall, leading to infection in the abdominal cavity (peritonitis) and in adjacent organs. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and weight loss can be symptoms. Diagnosis is commonly made by X-ray or colonoscopy. Treatments include medications that reduce inflammation, suppress the immuine system, and antibiotics. Dietary changes can reduce symptoms. When severe, surgery can be necessary. Also known as regional enteritis. See also Crohn’s enteritis; Crohn’s enterocolitis; Crohn’s ileitis; Crohn’s ileocolitis.