Crohn's disease: Finding relief and staying strong

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QUICK LINKS
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Explore symptoms
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Understand impacts
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Learn ways to manage
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Finding and treating Crohn's disease early can help you achieve remission, reduces surgery risk, and prevents intestinal damage.

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

Recognizing what Crohn's disease feels like

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 anus. 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:
  • Bowel urgency - a sudden and immediate need to go
  • 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.

If you don't have a doctor, you can search the Empower Health database to find a healthcare professional.
Find a healthcare professional
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IMPACTS OF CROHN'S

How Crohn's affects the body

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 anus.
Problems can happen both inside and outside the GI tract.

Possible complications inside the GI tract

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  • Dehydration
  • Not absorbing enough essential nutrients
  • Increased risk of colon and rectal cancers
  • Dehydration
  • Not absorbing enough essential nutrients
  • Increased risk of colon and rectal cancers
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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
  • 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.
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

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.
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.
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.
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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MANAGING CD

Managing Crohn's disease

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.
Medicine
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Medicine may help 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.

Explore these patient advocacy groups to learn more.

The GI Society - Health & Nutrition Articles

Crohn's and Colitis Canada - Diet and Nutrition

Surgery
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If medicine doesn’t help, surgery may be needed. This means removing the colon. Your doctor will explain the options based on your age and health.
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.

Learn more

Resources to help you manage daily life
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These patient advocacy groups have many resources for those living with Crohn's disease and loved ones.

Explore insurance and Government support.

Crohn's and Colitis Canada

The GI Society

Explore community and support.

Crohn's and Colitis Canada

The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation

The GoHere® App helps individuals with Crohn's disease locate public washrooms and businesses that offer washroom access to them.

Download the app

PP-LLY-CA-0028 04/2026 © 2026, Eli Lilly and Company. All rights reserved.
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