WHAT IS
CROHN’S
DISEASE?

Understanding Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can cause inflammation in any part of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. 

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.

How Does Inflammation Contribute to Crohn's Symptoms?

Common Crohn’s symptoms include diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. Symptoms can come on suddenly, or you may experience periods of having few or no symptoms (remission).

With Crohn’s, how you feel doesn’t always match what’s happening inside your body. Someone can feel okay and not experience symptoms even when there is ongoing inflammation inside. 

That’s why combining symptom tracking with clinical tests is essential. Together, they reveal the full picture of what’s happening in your body.

Crohn’s Disease Progression

Crohn’s is a progressive disease, meaning it can get worse over time. Chronic 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.

When to Consider Treatment Options With a Doctor

Dr. Casey Chapman discusses when to talk to your doctor about starting a treatment for Crohn’s.

Treatment Options for Crohn’s Disease

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 targeting IL-23 protein

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 chronic 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.

endoscopic improvement

Visible improvement of the intestinal lining.