Five Types Of Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This inflammation can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

Crohn's disease can affect different parts of the GI tract. The five main types are ileocolitis, ileitis, gastroduodenal Crohn's, jejunoileitis, and Crohn's (granulomatous) colitis. Each type has unique symptoms based on the location of inflammation.

This is the most common type of Crohn's disease. It affects the last section of the small intestine, known as the ileum, and the colon. You might have considerable weight loss, diarrhea, cramping and pain in the middle or lower right part of your abdomen.

Ileitis is a type of Crohn's disease that just affects the ileum. It has many of the same symptoms as Ileocolitis, but also can cause fistulas, or inflammatory abscesses, in the lower right section of your abdomen.

This form affects the stomach and duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. Symptoms include nausea, weight loss, loss of appetite, and vomiting (if narrow segments of bowel are obstructed.)

This type causes inflammation in the jejunum, which is the middle part of your small intestine. Symptoms include cramps after meals, diarrhea, fistulas, and abdominal pain that can become intense.

This form only affects the colon. You may have skin lesions, joint pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and ulcers, fistulas, and abscesses around the anus.

Crohn's disease also can be classified by phenotypes, or physical traits. These are based on your age when you were diagnosed, the affected body part, and how the disease behaves in your body.

The exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. However, genetic, environmental, and immune system factors are believed to play a role. Ongoing research aims to better understand these contributing factors.