Crohn's Disease Specialists in Tamil Nadu

What is Crohn's Disease?

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can cause inflammation anywhere along the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, though it most commonly affects the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the colon. Unlike ulcerative colitis, the inflammation in Crohn's disease often occurs in a patchy pattern with healthy tissue between inflamed segments, and can extend through the full thickness of the bowel wall rather than being limited to the inner lining. This deeper inflammation can lead to complications such as strictures that narrow the bowel, fistulas that create abnormal connections between organs, and abscesses. Like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease follows a relapsing and remitting course, and is thought to arise from an abnormal immune response in genetically susceptible individuals. While there is no cure, a combination of medication and, when needed, surgery can effectively control symptoms and manage complications for most patients.

Causes of Crohn's Disease

Believed to result from an abnormal immune response against the gut lining, influenced by genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and imbalances in gut bacteria. Family history significantly increases risk, and smoking is a recognised factor that both increases risk of developing the disease and worsens its course. The condition most commonly begins in adolescence or early adulthood, though it can develop at any age.

Symptoms of Crohn's Disease

Abdominal pain and cramping often in the lower right abdomen, persistent diarrhoea, fatigue, unintended weight loss, reduced appetite, fever during flares, mouth sores, perianal pain or discharge from fistulas in some cases

Treatment & Types of Crohn's Disease in Tamil Nadu

Treatment involves anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medications, including corticosteroids for flares and biologic therapies targeting specific immune pathways for long-term control of more severe disease. Nutritional support is important, particularly during flares or in those with malabsorption, and some patients benefit from specialised diets under medical guidance. Surgery to remove severely damaged sections of bowel or repair complications such as strictures and fistulas is often needed at some point, though it does not cure the underlying disease.

Crohn's disease is classified by the location of inflammation, most often ileocolonic, affecting the end of the small intestine and start of the colon, but also ileal, colonic, or, less commonly, involving the upper digestive tract. It is further described by behaviour as inflammatory, mainly mucosal inflammation, stricturing, causing bowel narrowing, or penetrating/fistulizing, creating abnormal connections or abscesses, which strongly guides treatment choice.

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Frequently Asked Questions