What should you know about chronic Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract and may involve areas separated by healthy tissue. Inflammation can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea, urgency, weight loss, reduced appetite and fatigue. Some people develop mouth ulcers, joint symptoms, skin changes or narrowing of the bowel. Symptoms may settle for a time and then flare. Persistent inflammation can affect absorption and may lead to anaemia or nutritional deficiencies. The severity and location are different for each person, so a symptom pattern alone cannot show how active the disease is.

Take prescribed medicines consistently and discuss side effects before changing them. Keep a diary of bowel frequency, blood or mucus, pain, food triggers, fever, weight and energy. Eat and drink in a way that maintains nourishment; during a flare, ask for individual advice rather than removing many foods without guidance. Avoid smoking, which can worsen Crohn's disease. A GP consultation can coordinate care, while blood tests may help assess anaemia, inflammation and nutritional concerns. Ask about vaccines and infection precautions when medicines affect immunity.

Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen with vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, heavy rectal bleeding, fainting, high fever, or signs of dehydration such as very little urine and marked dizziness. Contact your care team promptly for persistent diarrhoea, unplanned weight loss, worsening night symptoms or a flare that is not responding to the agreed plan. These features can signal complications or a need to adjust treatment.

How will we tell whether inflammation is active? Which blood tests or specialist tests are appropriate? What is my flare plan? How can I protect nutrition and bone health? Which medicines, vaccines or pain relievers should I avoid?