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Crohn's disease is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory disease of the intestinal tract.It causes stomach pains, diarrhoea, and weight loss.
The disease is characterised by periods of activity and remissions.
It typically affects the lower part of the small intestine (ileum) or the large intestine (colon), but it can affect any part of the digestive system.
The affected areas become red and swollen and ulceration may occur. As the ulcers heal, the formation of scar tissue makes the intestine increasingly narrow, leading to obstruction.

In Crohn's disease the immune cells attack the gastrointestinal system. The cause is unknown, but genetic factors seem to play a role.

The symptoms vary and depend on the severity and location of the disease.
- Many patients only have mild symptoms for a long time and have often had the disease for several years before it is diagnosed.
- Periods of mild fever, sometimes with blood in the stools, and pain in the lower right part of the abdomen.
- Loss of appetite.
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Boils (cavities containing pus) and fistulas (formation of small passages that connect the intestine with other organs or the skin).
- General malaise.

Tests that show findings of Crohn's disease:
- Endoscopy, colonoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy with small bowel biopsy
- Small bowel follow through
- Barium enema
- Upper GI series
- Positive stool guaiac

The most common complication is blockage of the intestine.
Crohn's disease may also cause sores, or ulcers, in the affected areas.
Other health problems associated with Crohn's disease are: arthritis, skin problems, inflammation in the eyes or mouth, kidney stones, gallstones, or other diseases of the liver and biliary system.