Crohn’s disease is a bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the digestive system, specifically in the colon and the last part of the small intestine.
Like other conditions that affect the digestive system, such as ulcerative colitis, it’s not fully known what causes Crohn’s disease but it shares similar symptoms, including severe stomach cramps and diarrhoea, as well as other symptoms like weight loss. These symptoms can be constant or come as a “flare-up”, coming, and going every few weeks or months.
Because of this, living with Crohn’s disease can often be difficult, flare-ups can be unpredictable disrupting school, work, and social lives. People living with Crohn’s disease may also have to make changes to their diet: eating less fried and greasy foods, eating smaller meals, or restricting caffeine intake.
These symptoms and consequent lifestyle changes may be controlled by treatment. Treatments can include steroids, liquid diets, immunosuppressants or surgeries – such as keyhole surgery or removing a small, inflamed section of bowel. There is, however, no cure for Crohn’s disease.
MAC Clinical Research is currently looking for patients living with Crohn’s disease to participate in a clinical trial. If you are 18-75 and have Crohn’s disease and would like to help potential further treatment options, please register via our website.
