Crohn's disease is a condition characterized by an inflammation of the digestive tract. The body's overactive immune response can cause the intestines to swell and thicken over time, leading to bothersome symptoms that commonly include diarrhea and stomach cramping. Five different types of Crohn's disease exist, classified according to which area of the intestinal tract they affect. Symptoms and potential for complications may vary across types.
Ileocolitis
Ileocolitis is a type affects the colon and the ileum--the lowest part of the small intestine, located just before the beginning segment of the large intestine. According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, ileocolitis is the most common type of Crohn's, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramping and pain in the middle or lower right-hand side of the abdomen. Some people with ileocolitis may experience significant weight loss as a result of the disease.
Ileitis
Ileitis is a type of Crohn's disease that causes inflammation localized to the ileum. Like ileocolitis, it causes diarrhea and abdominal pain and cramping. Those with ileitis may be susceptible to developing complications, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. Specifically, chronic inflammation can lead to the formation of an abscess or ulcer in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. Some individuals with ileitis may also develop fistulas--abnormal channels that form, leading from one intestine to another or from an intestine to the skin or other organ. Most commonly, fistulas form around the anal area, causing drainage of stool, pus or mucous. Fistulas can also form with the bladder or vagina.
Gastroduodenal Crohn's Disease
Gastroduodenal Crohn's disease causes inflammation in the stomach and the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. Inflammation can lead to a thickening and narrowing of these parts of the intestine, making it difficult for food to pass through. This can lead to vomiting, suggesting a partial or full blockage of the small intestine, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. Other common symptoms associated with this type of Crohn's include loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss and nausea.
Jejunoileitis
Jejunoileitis is a type of Crohn's that causes spotty patches of inflammation of the upper half of the small intestine known as the jejunum, according to the National Institutes of Health. Symptoms associated with jejunoileitis can include stomach cramping after meals, mild to severe abdominal pain and watery diarrhea. Those with this form of Crohn's are also susceptible to forming fistulas.
Crohn's/Granulomatous Colitis
Crohn's or granulomatous colitis causes inflammation limited to the colon, or large intestine. According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, granulomatous colitis is more likely to lead to non-digestive symptoms, such as skin lesions and joint pains, than other types of Crohn's. Those with this type of Crohn's may also develop abscesses, fistulas or ulcers around the anus. Diarrhea and rectal bleeding are also characteristic of this form of the disease.
