An Overview of Crohn's Complications
There are a variety of potential complications with
Crohn's disease. Some of these Crohn's complications happen inside the intestines, while others, such as
arthritis and skin disorders, occur in other parts of the body (these are known as systemic complications).
Possible Crohn's disease complications within the digestive tract may include:
- Sores or ulcers
- Fistulas
- Abscesses
- A bowel obstruction
- Perforations (tears) in the intestines
- Toxic megacolon
- Cancer.
Complications of Crohn's disease that can develop outside of the intestines include:
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Osteoporosis (bone thinning)
- Joint problems, such as joint tenderness or arthritis
- Skin disorders
- Inflammation of the eye or mouth
- Liver disease
- Inflammation of the bile ducts
- Kidney stones.
Not everyone with Crohn's disease develops these complications, and it is not known exactly why some of them happen -- especially those outside of the intestines.
Some Crohn's complications may happen because the
digestive system isn't working right. Inflammation of the small intestine makes it harder for your body to digest food and absorb nutrients, so it can cause malnutrition. In children, this can result in stunted growth and development. Some people with Crohn's disease have a decreased appetite, so they eat even less food than they would normally.
Other complications, such as skin disorders and arthritis, are thought to be triggered by an overactive immune system.
Generally, these complications go away with treatment of the Crohn's disease, but they may have to be treated separately.
