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Crohn's disease: Finding relief and staying strong

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Finding and treating Crohn's disease early can help you achieve remission, reduces surgery risk, and prevents intestinal damage.

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Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune condition that causes swelling and sores in the digestive system. It’s part of a group of conditions called IBD, which stands for inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn’s can be serious, but many people learn how to manage their symptoms and live full, active lives.
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CROHN'S SYMPTOMS
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Recognizing what Crohn's disease feels like

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Crohn’s disease causes swelling in the digestive system. This can make the walls of the intestines thicker, and sometimes they can crack or form small tunnels. Crohn’s can affect any part of the digestive tract—from the mouth to the bottom. Most symptoms are similar to other types of IBD, but the symptoms unique to Crohn's are: Diarrhea that is usually not bloody, malnutrition (parts of the digestive tract that absorb nutrients get inflamed), and mouth sores.
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These symptoms can come in waves and range from mild to severe:
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  • Diarrhea that is usually not bloody
  • Malnutrition when parts of the digestive tract that absorb nutrients become inflamed
  • Mouth sores
  • Stomach pain
  • Fatigue - tiredness, lack of energy, or exhaustion that doesn't get better with rest
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss
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Experiencing symptoms? See a doctor.

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If you don't have a doctor, you can search the independent Crohn's & Colitis Foundation database to find an in-person or virtual medical expert.
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Find a medical expert
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https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/find-a-medical-expert
Get Care, Talk to a doctor
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IMPACTS OF CROHN'S

How Crohn's affects the body

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The gastrointestinal tract (GI) tract is a group of organs that help your body digest food. It starts at your mouth and ends at your bottom. Problems can happen both inside and outside the GI tract.
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Possible complications inside the GI tract

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  • Dehydration
  • Not absorbing enough essential nutrients
  • Increased risk of colon and rectal cancers
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  • Dehydration
  • Not absorbing enough essential nutrients
  • Increased risk of colon and rectal cancers
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Photograph of a doctor standing next to their patient while having a conversation with the patient.

Possible complications outside the GI tract

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  • Low red blood cell count (anemia)
  • Reduced bone density
  • Joint pain
  • Skin changes
  • Eye irritation
  • Delayed or impaired growth in some children
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  • Low red blood cell count (anemia)
  • Reduced bone density
  • Joint pain
  • Skin changes
  • Eye irritation
  • Delayed or impaired growth in some children
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Mental health impact

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Crohn's can make daily life harder and may cause feelings like stress, worry, or sadness. If you're feeling this way, talk to your doctor. They can help.
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Crohn's can make daily life harder and may cause feelings like stress, worry, or sadness. If you're feeling this way, talk to your doctor. They can help.
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DIAGNOSING CROHN'S

Diagnosing Crohn's starts with a visit to the doctor

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When you tell your doctor about your symptoms, they’ll first check to see if something else might be causing them. To find out if you have Crohn's disease, your doctor will use tests and scans. You might also be sent to a special doctor called a gastroenterologist, who treats problems in the digestive system.
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STEP 1
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Talk with your doctor

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Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, any medicines you take, your family’s health history, and your daily routine—like what you eat, how active you are, and how stressed you feel. They’ll also do a physical exam.
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STEP 2
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Lab tests

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To learn more, your doctor may order blood or stool tests.

  • Blood tests check for swelling, infection, or low iron.
  • Stool tests look for blood, mucus, or other signs of digestive problems.
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STEP 3
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Imaging and scoping

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Depending on what your doctor finds, they may suggest:

  • A CT or MRI scan to look for swelling or other issues inside your body.
  • An endoscopy, which uses a tiny camera to look inside your digestive tract.
  • A colonoscopy is a procedue that uses a camera to look at your colon.
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TREATMENT AND TRIALS

Managing Crohn's disease

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Doctors treat Crohn's disease by helping your immune system work better. This usually means using medicine, making lifestyle changes, and sometimes having surgery. Working with your doctor to find the right mix of treatments can help you feel better and stay active.
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Medicine
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Medicine helps calm the swelling in your colon so it can heal. This can ease symptoms like belly pain, bleeding, and diarrhea. Taking your medicine the right way can also help prevent flare-ups.

Learn more about a Lilly FDA-approved medication for Crohn's disease.

Learn more

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Medicine helps calm the swelling in your colon so it can heal. This can ease symptoms like belly pain, bleeding, and diarrhea. Taking your medicine the right way can also help prevent flare-ups.
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Medicine helps calm the swelling in your colon so it can heal. This can ease symptoms like belly pain, bleeding, and diarrhea. Taking your medicine the right way can also help prevent flare-ups.
Nutrition
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Eating a variety of healthy foods is good, but some foods may make symptoms worse. Your body may need more energy, especially if you’re having diarrhea or don’t feel like eating. Talk to your doctor about what foods are best for you.

Looking for a virtual dietitian covered by most insurance?

Learn more about Nourish

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Medicine helps calm the swelling in your colon so it can heal. This can ease symptoms like belly pain, bleeding, and diarrhea. Taking your medicine the right way can also help prevent flare-ups.
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Medicine helps calm the swelling in your colon so it can heal. This can ease symptoms like belly pain, bleeding, and diarrhea. Taking your medicine the right way can also help prevent flare-ups.
Surgery
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If medicine doesn’t help, surgery may be needed. This means removing a portion of the bowel and then joining the two ends of the healthy bowels together. Your doctor will explain the options based on your age and health.
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Medicine helps calm the swelling in your colon so it can heal. This can ease symptoms like belly pain, bleeding, and diarrhea. Taking your medicine the right way can also help prevent flare-ups.
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Medicine helps calm the swelling in your colon so it can heal. This can ease symptoms like belly pain, bleeding, and diarrhea. Taking your medicine the right way can also help prevent flare-ups.
Other lifestyle changes
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Getting enough sleep, managing stress, staying connected with others, and moving your body can all help you feel better. These healthy habits can support your treatment and help you live a full life.

Explore science-backed articles and videos in our well-being library.

Explore now

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Medicine helps calm the swelling in your colon so it can heal. This can ease symptoms like belly pain, bleeding, and diarrhea. Taking your medicine the right way can also help prevent flare-ups.
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Medicine helps calm the swelling in your colon so it can heal. This can ease symptoms like belly pain, bleeding, and diarrhea. Taking your medicine the right way can also help prevent flare-ups.
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Help us redefine what's possible

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Find a clinical trial or take a questionnaire to find trials that may be a good fit for you or a loved one.
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WELL-BEING

Health is more than a prescription

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Taking your medicine is important and so is taking care of your overall health. That's why Lilly's well-being library has science-backed resources on sleep, food, movement, connection, and stress management to help those living with an autoimmune condition.
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All Pillars
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Connection
Connection
Food
Food
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Sleep
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