Crohn's disease

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Anorectal fistulas	Clubbing	Crohn's disease, X-ray	Crohn's disease - affected areas
Digestive system	Digestive system organs	Inflammatory bowel disease	Inflammatory bowel disease - series
Ulcerative colitis

No specific diet has been shown to improve or worsen the bowel inflammation in Crohn's disease. However, eating a healthy amount of calories, vitamins, and protein is important to avoid malnutrition and weight loss. Foods that worsen diarrhea should be avoided. Specific food problems may vary from person to person.

People who have blockage of the intestines may need to avoid raw fruits and vegetables. Those who have difficulty digesting lactose (milk sugar) need to avoid milk products.

The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America offers support groups throughout the United States. See http://www.ccfa.org/chapters/

There is no cure for Crohn's disease. The condition is marked by periods of improvement followed by flare ups of symptoms.

You have a higher risk for small bowel and colon cancer if you have Crohn's disease. Dietary and lifestyle modifications are important. Some evidence suggests that low-fat and high-fiber diets may reduce your risk of colon cancer. Ask your doctor if this may be best for you.

• Fistulas in the following areas:
  • Bladder
  • Vagina
  • Skin
• Bowel obstructions
• Abscess
• Nutritional deficiencies (particularly vitamin B12 deficiency)
• Complications of corticosteroid therapy
• Inflammation of the joints
• Erythema nodosum
• Pyoderma gangrenosum
• Lesions in the eye
• Impaired growth and sexual development in children

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

• You have symptoms of Crohn's disease
• You are already diagnosed with Crohn's disease and your symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment
• You already diagnosed with Crohn's disease and you develop new symptoms

Review Date: 03/06/2007
Reviewed By: Updated by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy. Previously reviewed by Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.(2006)