WHAT IS
CROHN’S
DISEASE?
Understanding Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It can affect any part of the GI tract from mouth to anus.
The exact causes of Crohn’s disease aren’t fully known, but research suggests that genetics, the environment, or an overactive immune system contribute to it.
Crohn’s Disease Progression
Crohn’s is a progressive disease, meaning it can get worse over time. Excess inflammation can spread into the deeper layers of the intestinal lining and may lead to further complications.
That’s why it’s important to take action and work with your doctor to recognize the signs.
What Can Cause Crohn’s Symptoms
The digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, eliminating waste—these are all essential functions of the GI tract.
With Crohn’s, when the GI tract becomes inflamed, it’s not able to perform these functions optimally. This is why you experience Crohn’s symptoms.
Common Crohn’s Symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Cramping
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Common Crohn’s Symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Cramping
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the severity and location of Crohn’s inflammation.
They can also come on suddenly (flare) or you may even experience periods of having few or no symptoms (remission).
Types of Treatment
There are different types of treatment options depending on your symptoms and level of severity. Conventional treatments can include the use of medication, changes in diet and nutrition, and sometimes surgical procedures to improve or remove affected parts of your GI tract. Biologics work by targeting specific parts of the immune system that can contribute to the inflammation seen in Crohn’s.
Be sure to talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of all available treatments and what treatment option may be right for you.
Common treatments for Crohn’s disease include:
A Biologic for Crohn’s Disease
SKYRIZI is the first treatment for Crohn’s that specifically targets the interleukin-23 (IL-23) protein, which is one of the key proteins responsible for inflammation. By targeting IL-23, SKYRIZI helps reduce the excess inflammation that can contribute to Crohn’s symptoms and intestinal lining damage.
Find a Gastro That’s Right for You
Looking for a gastroenterologist to answer your Crohn’s questions and help you with your treatment goals? Start here.
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