Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s Disease is a lifelong gastroenterological condition which is a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). It causes parts of the digestive system to become inflamed.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of Crohn’s disease can vary depending on the part of the gut affected and the severity of the condition. Symptoms can also be constant in chronic cases, or they may come and go every few weeks or months. Periods of more intense symptoms are known as flare-ups.
The most common symptoms include:
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach aches and cramps
- Blood in your poo
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Weight loss
Cause and treatment
The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is not fully understood; however, many experts believe it is the result of a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Having a family member who has Crohn’s disease, or another autoimmune condition is also associated with an increased likeliness of developing the condition.
There is no known cure for Crohn’s disease and treatments focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. The main treatments are:
- Medicines to reduce inflammation in the digestive system – usually steroid tablets
- Medicines to stop the inflammation coming back –either tablets or injections
- Surgery to remove a small part of the digestive system – sometimes this may be a more effective treatment option than medicines
Medical Cannabis and Crohn's disease
In cases where traditional treatment options prove in effective, medical cannabis may be considered. There is growing evidence to suggest the potential of medical cannabis in relieving symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease and other forms of Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD).
Our specialist physicians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.
All Gastroenterology Categories
