Crohn’s Disease

What is Crohn's disease?

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that usually involves the lower part of the small intestine and/or the large intestine (colon), though it may involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, fever, joint pain, and rashes. In children, it can cause developmental delay and failure to grow.

Diagnosing Crohn's disease

At the Center for Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Celiac Disease, we offer state-of-the-art diagnostic services to determine if your child has Crohn’s disease. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, these services may include blood or stool tests, endoscopies or colonoscopies with biopsies, and magnetic resonance enterography.

Treating Crohn's disease

Though there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, there are highly effective treatments that allow most children with these diseases to feel well and have excellent outcomes. We offer multidisciplinary therapeutic services that can help manage symptoms and improve your child’s quality of life. These may include a personalized pharmacotherapy plan, surgery when needed, or an appointment with a dietitian to set up a nutritional plan. These services may also include meetings with psychologists and social workers to help with any social and emotional problems that may be caused by Crohn’s disease.

Learn more about our treatments and services >

Crohn's 101 video from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation