Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the digestive tract. It can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but it most commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease are abdominal pain, often in the lower right area, and diarrhea. Other symptoms may be:

• rectal bleeding
• weight loss
• arthritis
• skin problems
• fever

Treatment

Treatment may include drugs, nutrition supplements, surgery, or a combination of these options, depending on the location and severity of disease. According to the NIH, two-thirds to three-quarters of patients with Crohn’s disease will require surgery at some point in their lives.