Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the bowel. It usually affects older children, teenagers and young adults. Patients with Crohn's disease can have involvement of any segment of the gastrointestinal tract.
Significance
Crohn's is a lifelong condition that can be managed with appropriate medical treatment and nutrition.
Features
Symptoms of Crohn's vary by the site of inflammations. Most patients will present with abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Types
Patients with Crohn's in the distal rectum can have rectal bleeding, bloody diarrhea and anal fistulas.
Effects
Other symptoms of Crohn's include anemia, and poor growth and development because of the inability to absorb nutrients through the inflamed gastrointestinal tract.
Considerations
Patients with Crohn's disease can have symptoms on other parts of the body such as arthritis, liver inflammation and mouth ulcers.
