Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic (lifelong) autoimmune condition that inflames and irritates your digestive tract, most commonly your small and large intestines (colon). Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Crohn’s disease may cause unpleasant symptoms, most commonly diarrhea and stomach cramps or abdominal pain.

What are the types of Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease can affect any part of your digestive tract, from your mouth to your anus (butthole). Most commonly, it causes inflammation in your small and/or large intestines. Types of Crohn’s disease include:

• Ileocolitis: Inflammation in your lower small intestine and part of your large intestine. Ileocolitis is the most common type of Crohn’s disease.
• Colitis: Inflammation in the lining of your large intestine.
• Ileitis: Swelling and inflammation in your small intestine (ileum).
• Gastroduodenal: Inflammation and irritation that affects your stomach and the top of your small intestine (the duodenum).
• Jejunitis: Patchy areas of inflammation in the upper half of your small intestine (the jejunum).
• Perianal disease: A portion of people have inflammation around the anus, which can cause fistulas and abscesses.

How common is Crohn’s disease?

Experts estimate that more than three-quarters of a million people in the U.S. have Crohn’s disease. It affects approximately 6 to 8 million people globally.