DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

Back to Globe
Gastroenterologic Disease

Crohn's Disease

HIGH SEVERITY

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease causing inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition.

Global Affected

4.5M

Countries

15

Symptoms

Abdominal pain and cramping
Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
Fatigue
Weight loss
Reduced appetite
Fever
Mouth sores
Perianal disease (fistulas, abscesses)

Treatment Options

Aminosalicylates (5-ASA)
Corticosteroids
Azathioprine or 6-MP
Methotrexate
Infliximab (Remicade)
Adalimumab (Humira)
Vedolizumab (Entyvio)
Ustekinumab (Stelara)
Surgical resection

Risk Factors

1Age (onset usually before 30)
2Family history
3Ashkenazi Jewish descent
4Cigarette smoking
5Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
6High-fat diet
7Urban residence

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Colonoscopy with biopsy
  • 2CT enterography or MR enterography
  • 3Capsule endoscopy
  • 4Blood tests (CRP, ESR, anemia)
  • 5Stool studies (calprotectin, infectious causes)
  • 6Upper endoscopy
  • 7Video capsule endoscopy

Prognosis

Variable disease course. 70-80% require surgery within 10 years. Recurrence after surgery common (70-90%). Biologics improve remission rates to 60-70%. Normal life expectancy with modern treatment. Increased risk of colon cancer after 8-10 years. Fistulas and strictures are common complications. Quality of life can be good with proper management. Lifelong monitoring required.

Prevention

  • No known prevention
  • Smoking cessation
  • Avoiding NSAIDs
  • Healthy diet and lifestyle

Research Status

Anti-inflammatory drugs (5-ASA, corticosteroids), immunomodulators (azathioprine, methotrexate), biologics (anti-TNF, anti-integrin, anti-IL12/23), and surgical resection for complications.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanBrazilMexicoIndiaChinaSouth AfricaNigeria

Sources

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK4143
  • https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-crohns-disease
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.