Crohn’s disease is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It can affect any part of GI tract from mouth to the anus, but most commonly affects the lower part of the small bowel (ileum) or the first part of the large bowel (colon). The early symptoms are abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea (sometimes bloody), reduced appetite and weight loss. Other symptoms include fever, inflammation of the eye, joint pain, skin lesions, and mouth ulcers.

The cause of Crohn's disease is not known. It may be inherited rarely. Long term disease may cause complications such as bleeding and iron deficiency, obstruction or complete blockage of intestine, formation of fistulas, perforation of the inflamed intestines etc. Crohn's disease in children and teenagers may stunt their growth due to reduced appetite and nutrition.

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