Crohn's Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Crohn's Disease?
A gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats digestive diseases, usually treats Crohn's disease. A colorectal surgeon may help if surgery is needed. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is Crohn's disease?
Crohn's disease is a chronic, or long-lasting, disease that causes inflammation in your digestive tract. It can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. But it usually affects the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine.
It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. Ulcerative colitis is another type.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on where and how severe the inflammation is. They can come and go, with periods of flare-ups. The most common symptoms are:
- Diarrhea.
- Cramping and pain in the belly.
- Weight loss.
Other possible symptoms include fatigue, fever, nausea or loss of appetite, and joint pain or soreness. Some people have eye redness or pain. Some have red, tender bumps under the skin. Diarrhea may be bloody.
Crohn's disease can also cause a blockage in the intestine, abnormal connections called fistulas, and pockets of infection called abscesses. It can cause malnutrition, when your body does not get the nutrients it needs.
Causes and who gets it
The cause is unknown. Researchers think an autoimmune reaction may be one cause. This happens when your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body. Genetics may also play a role, since it can run in families.
Stress and eating certain foods do not cause the disease, but they can make symptoms worse.
Some things raise your risk:
- A parent, child, or sibling with the disease.
- Smoking, which may double your risk.
- Some medicines, which may slightly increase the chance.
It most often begins between ages 15 and 35.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider may use a medical history, a family history, and a physical exam. They may also use blood and stool tests. A colonoscopy is another test.
Other tests can include a CT scan of the belly. An MRI of the belly and capsule endoscopy may also be used. A stool test may check for other causes, such as infection.
Treatment
There is no cure for Crohn's disease. The goals of treatment are to quiet the disease and keep it quiet.
Medicines decrease inflammation. Many reduce the activity of your immune system. You may need antibiotics if Crohn's causes an infection.
Bowel rest means drinking only certain liquids or not eating or drinking anything. You may need it if your symptoms are severe.
Surgery can treat complications when other treatments are not helping enough. Surgery does not cure Crohn disease.
Changing your diet can help reduce symptoms. A food diary can help find foods that cause problems. If you smoke, stopping will help improve the disease.
Ask your provider about taking anti-diarrheal medicines. They should be avoided in people with IBD if possible. Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, which can make symptoms worse.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you cannot control diarrhea with diet changes and medicines. Call if you have lost weight. Call if you have rectal bleeding. A fever that lasts more than 2 or 3 days is also a reason to call. So is nausea and vomiting that lasts more than a day.
People with Crohn's have a higher risk of small bowel and colon cancer. A colonoscopy is often recommended if the colon has been involved for 8 or more years.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room for sudden or severe belly pain, vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can order first tests and help you track symptoms. They can also help you coordinate care with a gastroenterologist.
Common questions
Is Crohn's disease the same as ulcerative colitis?
No, but both are types of inflammatory bowel disease.
Can Crohn's disease be cured?
No. There is no cure, but treatment aims to quiet the disease and keep it quiet.
Does stress cause Crohn's disease?
No. Stress and certain foods do not cause the disease, but they can make symptoms worse.
Does smoking affect Crohn's disease?
Yes. Smoking may double your risk of developing it. If you smoke, stopping will help improve the disease.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
