Glossary and FAQ.
The words your care team uses, explained simply, and answers to the questions people ask most.
Common questions
What is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is a long-term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can inflame any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, but most often affects the end of the small intestine. It tends to come and go, with flares and quieter periods called remission.
What are the most common signs?
Common signs include frequent, recurring diarrhea, unexpected weight loss, fever, abdominal pain and cramping, fatigue and reduced appetite. If you have these for more than a short time, see a doctor.
Is Crohn’s the same as IBS?
No. IBS is a different condition. It can feel similar, but it does not cause the inflammation and tissue damage seen in Crohn’s. A doctor can tell them apart with tests.
Can a diet cure Crohn’s?
No diet is known to cure Crohn’s. For many people, food choices can still change how they feel day to day. The best approach is personal: keep a food diary, note your triggers and work with your care team or a dietitian who knows IBD.
What is a low-residue diet, and how long should I follow it?
It limits foods that leave a lot of undigested material in the bowel, such as raw vegetables, skins, seeds and whole grains. It is generally meant for short periods, such as during a flare, and not for the long term. Ask your care team how long is right for you.
Does everyone with Crohn’s need surgery?
No. Many people manage with medicine and lifestyle changes. Some people do need surgery at some point, for example for a blockage or a complication. Your care team can explain what applies to you.
Should I stop my medicine when I feel better?
Never stop or change a medicine on your own. Feeling better is often a sign that the treatment is working. Talk with your doctor first.
How can I track my symptoms for my doctor?
A simple notebook works. Many people also use an app. The Healthy Crohns app logs meals, medicines, symptoms, sleep and water, and can produce a one-page PDF summary to take to appointments.
Glossary
A
- Anti-TNF
- A type of biologic medicine that blocks a protein called tumor necrosis factor, which drives inflammation. Remicade (infliximab) and Humira (adalimumab) are well-known examples.
B
- Biologic
- A medicine made from living cells that targets a specific part of the immune system. Biologics are usually given by infusion into a vein or by an injection under the skin.
C
- Colonoscopy
- A procedure where a doctor uses a thin, flexible camera to look inside the large intestine. It is a main way doctors check how active Crohn’s or colitis is.
- Colostomy
- A surgical opening that connects part of the large intestine to the skin of the belly, so waste leaves the body into an external pouch. It can be temporary or permanent.
- Crohn’s disease
- A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, and is most often found at the end of the small intestine (the ileum).
F
- Fistula
- An abnormal tunnel that forms between two parts of the body, for example between the bowel and the skin around the anus. Fistulas are a known complication of Crohn’s.
- Flare
- A period when symptoms come back or get worse, such as pain, diarrhea, fatigue or fever. Flares can last days to months.
I
- IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)
- The umbrella term for long-term inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract. The two main types are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
- A different condition from IBD. IBS can cause similar symptoms, but it does not cause the visible inflammation or tissue damage that IBD does.
- IL-23 inhibitor
- A newer type of biologic that targets one specific inflammatory messenger (interleukin-23). Risankizumab (Skyrizi) and guselkumab (Tremfya) are examples.
- Immunosuppressant
- A medicine that lowers the activity of the immune system to reduce inflammation. Many Crohn’s treatments work this way.
- Infusion
- Medicine given slowly through a vein, usually at a clinic or infusion center. Some biologics are given this way every few weeks.
J
- JAK inhibitor
- A pill that blocks signals inside immune cells (the Janus kinase pathways) to reduce inflammation. It is taken by mouth, not by injection or infusion.
L
- Low-residue diet
- An eating plan that limits foods that leave a lot of undigested material in the bowel, such as raw vegetables, skins, seeds and whole grains. It is usually used for a short time, for example during a flare, and not for the long term.
M
- Mucosal healing
- Healing of the inner lining of the gut as seen during a scope. Doctors often aim for it, because it goes beyond simply feeling better.
R
- Remission
- A period when the disease is quiet and symptoms are low or gone. Remission is not a cure, and the disease can return.
- Resection
- Surgery that removes a diseased section of the bowel. The healthy ends are then joined back together, or an ostomy is created.
S
- Stricture
- A narrowing of the bowel, often caused by long-term inflammation or scar tissue. It can make it hard for food to pass through.
- Steroid
- A fast-acting anti-inflammatory medicine, often used to calm a flare. Steroids are usually used for a limited time because of their side effects.
T
- Trigger food
- A food that reliably makes your own symptoms worse. Triggers are personal, so what bothers one person may be fine for another, and a food diary can help you spot yours.
U
- Ulcerative colitis
- A form of IBD that affects only the large intestine (the colon and rectum). It is a different disease from Crohn’s, although the symptoms and treatments often overlap.
Medical disclaimer: I am not a doctor. This is general information in plain language, not medical advice. Everyone’s Crohn’s is different, so ask your gastroenterologist or care team about your own situation.