Crohn's Disease: Living With Chronic Inflammation
Modern biologics have transformed long-term outlook.
Dr. Yann Beaumont
Gastroenterologist
Chronic diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weight loss, fever, anaemia, and sometimes perianal fistulas. Extraintestinal manifestations (arthritis, skin, eyes) occur in 25-40%.
Diagnosis
Ileocolonoscopy with biopsies, plus MRI enterography or capsule endoscopy, defines location and severity.
Treatment escalation
- Steroids for acute flares (not long-term)
- Immunomodulators (azathioprine, methotrexate)
- Anti-TNF, anti-integrin, anti-IL23 biologics
- Small-molecule JAK inhibitors
Lifestyle
Smoking cessation is essential: it worsens Crohn's disease specifically. Nutritional support and surgery have defined roles.
Early effective therapy ('treat to target') reduces hospitalisations and surgeries.
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