What is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, incurable inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes painful swelling and irritation of the tissues, inflammation, in the digestive tract. It most commonly affects the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine, but it can develop anywhere along the digestive tract.
With approximately three million people affected by IBD in Europe alone, Crohn’s disease is becoming more common – especially in newly industrialised countries across Africa, Asia and South America. Alarmingly, cases are also rising in children and young adults worldwide.
Beyond its debilitating symptoms – such as diarrhoea, stomach pain and weight loss – Crohn’s can lead to serious complications, including:
Despite medical advances, remission remains elusive for many. Nearly 50% of patients require surgery within 10 years of diagnosis and only a minority, around 10%, experience prolonged remission. The impact extends beyond patients – families, healthcare systems and workplaces all bear the burden of this lifelong disease.
Crohn’s disease is a progressive disease
A progressive disease means that conditions can worsen over time. As Crohn’s disease progresses, chronic inflammation in the intestines can lead to complications such as:
- a narrowing of the intestines leading to blockages.
- abnormal tunnels forming between organs.
- painful pus-filled infections.
Left untreated, Crohn’s disease can progress to long-term complications outside of the digestive tract. These are known as extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs). Some of the most common EIMs include: