Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Its exact cause remains unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors. Once triggered, the immune system remains persistently active, causing inflammation that leads to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Some patients also experience anal complications like abscesses and fistulas, which are difficult to heal and may recur. Crohn’s disease can affect not only the intestines but also other organs such as the joints, skin, eyes, liver, and pancreas. Early diagnosis and personalized treatment are key to managing this lifelong condition.
Symptoms of Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and its symptoms may vary widely from child to child. Common signs related to intestinal inflammation include abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, urgent bowel movements, and unintended weight loss. Some children may also show growth delays, such as poor height and weight gain, even before digestive symptoms appear. Anal complications, such as abscesses and fistulas, are particularly more common in children than in adults and can be difficult to heal and prone to recurrence. Some children may also experience less common symptoms, including skin rashes, joint pain, fatigue, or fevers.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition, often marked by cycles of remission and flare-ups. Symptoms can be mild and nonspecific at first, which may delay diagnosis. In many cases, children may live with symptoms for over a year before receiving a confirmed diagnosis.