Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
It causes inflammation of the digestive tract and, in different people, may involve different areas of the digestive tract.
The inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease often spreads deep into the layers of affected intestinal tissue.
The areas most commonly affected by Crohn’s disease are the last part of the small intestine and the colon. In some people with Crohn’s disease, only the last segment of the small intestine is affected; in others, the disease is confined to the colon.
This is a serious condition: in addition to being painful and debilitating, it can lead to life-threatening complications. However, with proper treatment, many people suffering from Crohn’s disease can lead fulfilling lives, work and carry out normal daily activities.