Crohns disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation of the lining of your digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea and even malnutrition. Inflammation caused by Crohns disease can involve different areas of the digestive tract in different people.

The inflammation caused by Crohns disease often spreads deep into the layers of affected bowel tissue. Like ulcerative colitis, another common IBD, Crohns disease can be both painful and debilitating, and sometimes may lead to life-threatening complications.

While there is no known cure for Crohns disease, therapies can greatly reduce the signs and symptoms of Crohns disease and even bring about long-term remission. With treatment, many people with Crohns disease are able to function well.