Crohn’s disease is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). It is a lifelong condition that causes inflammation in parts of the bowel. It can lead to ulcers throughout the gastrointestinal tract, bowel perforation or holes in the bowel, fistulas and other complications.

• Diarrhoea
• Stomach aches and cramps
• Blood in your poo
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Abnormal balance of gut bacteria which can originate with a previous stomach bug.

The exact cause is not known but there are a few factors that can play a role and increase risk:

• Family history
• Ethnicity
• Autoimmunity
• Environmental factors such as cigarette smoke and pollution.

• Steroids to reduce inflammation.
• Medicine to stop inflammation returning.
• Surgery to remove part of the digestive system that is damaged.
• Alterations to diet e.g. many people with Crohn’s find that less spicy or lower fibre food can help with flare ups.

Don‘t smoke and drink less

Those who have Crohn’s and smoke are more likely to have disease complications and higher risk surgeries.  Alcohol may interfere with your medication but it also irritates the lining of your bowel which can make symptoms worse.

Increase hydrating fluid intake

You are more likely to be dehydrated if you have Crohn’s as your digestive system absorbs less water and it is lost in your stool.

Exercise regularly

Exercise can help with digestion function but also decrease stress. Resistance training also decreases risk of Osteoporosis which can be a complication of Crohn’s.

Find support groups

Support groups can provide understanding and reassurance that people may not be able to get from family and friends.

Crohn’s and Colitis UK

https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/info-support/support-for-you

Helpline 0300 222 5700

Charity for those with Crohn’s and Colitis, providing support such as a helpline, local support services, online social events and getting can’t wait cards to allow access to public toilets.

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation

https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/science-and-professionals/patient-resources/patient-brochures

Free educational booklets.

Guts UK Factsheet

https://gutscharity.org.uk/advice-and-information/conditions/crohns-disease/

Factsheet on Crohn’s Disease from Guts UK who are a charity that raise awareness on all things related on the digestive system.

NHS information sheet

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/crohns-disease/

Information regarding Crohn’s Disease from the NHS website, going through diagnosis, symptoms and treatments etc.