Crohn's Disease

What is Crohn's disease?

This is a disease of chronic inflammation involving any part of the intestinal tract. It most commonly affects the last part of the small intestine (ileum) and/or the large intestine (colon and rectum). It is relatively uncommon in the Asian population.

Crohn's disease is a chronic condition and may recur at various times over a lifetime. Some people have long periods with no disease, sometimes years, when they are free of symptoms. There is no way to predict when the disease can flare.

What are the types of Crohn's disease?

There are several types of Crohn's disease, classified based on the area of the digestive tract affected:

1. Ileocolitis: The most common type, affecting the ileum (the end of the small intestine) and part of the colon. Symptoms include diarrhoea, weight loss and pain in the lower right abdomen.
2. Ileitis: Involves only the ileum. Symptoms are similar to ileocolitis, and complications such as fistulas or abscesses may occur.
3. Crohn's Colitis: Involves only the colon. It can cause diarrhoea, rectal bleeding and skin lesions.
4. Gastroduodenal Crohn's Disease: Affects the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum), causing nausea, vomiting and upper abdominal pain.
5. Jejunoileitis: Characterised by patchy inflammation in the upper half of the small intestine, leading to abdominal pain and cramping after meals.