Crohn's Disease: A Literature Review

Crohns disease is a chronic relapsing inflammatory bowel disease that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. The ileum, colon, and perineum are most commonly affected. It is characterised by transmural inflammation, and granulomata may be present. Whilst the aetiology of Crohns disease is not completely understood, it is thought to be caused by the complex interplay between genetic, immunological, microbiological, and environmental factors. It is multisystem disorder with potential for systemic and extraintestinal complications can affect any age group, but the onset is most common in the second and third decades. The most common symptoms of Crohns disease are diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. Symptoms reflect the site and behaviour of disease, and the presence or absence of strictures and fistulae. Treatment has changed radically over the past decade with the introduction of biological therapy and increased use of immunomodulators. Awareness of the therapeutic potential and associated adverse events is necessary both for offering benefit and for protecting patients from undue risks from these treatments.