What is Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease is a long-term inflammatory condition that affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It belongs to a group of conditions known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Crohn's disease can cause inflammation anywhere along the digestive tract, but it most commonly affects the end of the small intestine (ileum) and the beginning of the colon.

The symptoms and severity of Crohn's disease can vary from person to person. While some people experience only mild discomfort, others may live with ongoing pain and complications that interfere with daily life.

Crohn's disease is a progressive lifelong condition with periods of flare-ups and remission, but with the right support and treatment, many people manage the condition and live active, fulfilling lives.

Symptoms of Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease symptoms can range in intensity and may come and go over time. Some people experience flare-ups that can last days, weeks or even months.

Common symptoms include:

• Frequent diarrhoea: This may include an urgent need to use the toilet or loose stools that happen multiple times a day.
• Abdominal pain and cramping: Often felt in the lower right side, but pain can occur anywhere in the gut.
• Weight loss: Many people with Crohn's experience unintentional weight loss due to poor nutrient absorption or loss of appetite.
• Fatigue: Feeling constantly tired, even after rest, is a common symptom.
• Fever: Mild fevers can be a sign of inflammation or infection.
• Mouth ulcers: Painful sores inside the mouth.
• Reduced appetite: Eating may feel uncomfortable, especially during flare-ups.

Crohn's disease can also affect other parts of the body. Some people may experience joint pain, skin rashes or irritation in the eyes.

Causes and types of Crohn's disease

The exact cause of Crohn's disease is not fully understood, but experts believe it’s linked to a combination of genetic, immune and environmental factors. It is not caused by something you did or didn’t do, and it’s not contagious.

The following factors play a role in Crohn’s disease:

• Immune system: Crohn’s disease may be the result of the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissues in the gut.
• Genetics: People with a family history of Crohn's disease are more likely to develop it themselves.
• Environmental factors: Diet, lifestyle, and exposure to certain viruses or bacteria may play a role.

Crohn’s disease can affect different parts of the digestive tract. The type you have depends on where the inflammation occurs:

• Ileocolitis: Affects both the small intestine (ileum) and the colon. This is the most common form.
• Ileitis: Affects only the ileum.
• Gastroduodenal Crohn’s: Involves the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine.
• Jejunoileitis: Involves patchy areas of inflammation in the upper small intestine.
• Crohn’s colitis: Affects only the large intestine (colon).

Risk factors of Crohn’s disease

Anyone can develop Crohn's disease, but some factors may increase your risk:

• Age: Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35.
• Family history: If a close relative has Crohn's, your risk may be higher.
• Smoking: People who smoke are more likely to develop severe symptoms.
• Medications: Some anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, may irritate the bowel and contribute to flare-ups.
• Diet and stress: While not direct causes, poor diet and high stress levels may trigger or worsen symptoms.

Diagnosis of Crohn’s disease

Diagnosing Crohn's disease involves a range of tests to understand what’s happening in your digestive system and to rule out other conditions. 

These may include:

• Blood tests: To check for signs of inflammation, infection or anaemia.
• Stool tests: To identify any infections or blood in the stool.
• Imaging tests: Scans like CT or MRI may be used to view the intestines.
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy: A camera is used to examine the digestive tract and take small tissue samples (biopsies).

Getting a clear diagnosis can take time. If you’ve been living with ongoing digestive issues, it’s important to speak with a doctor.

Treatment options for Crohn's disease

Currently, there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but treatment can help reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and prevent flare-ups.

Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on the type and severity of your Crohn’s.

Medications

Medication is often the first step and may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids to control inflammation.
• Immune system suppressors to prevent the immune system from attacking healthy tissue.
• Antibiotics to treat infections or complications like abscesses.
• Pain relievers and antidiarrheal medications to manage symptoms.

Nutrition support

In some cases, a Crohn’s-specific dietitian may recommend special diets or nutritional supplements to give the bowel a rest and improve overall nutrition.

Surgery

If medications aren’t effective or complications occur (like blockages or severe damage), surgery may be needed to remove affected sections of the intestine. This is usually followed by continued medication to reduce the chance of symptoms returning.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, managing stress and maintaining a balanced diet, can also support overall wellbeing and symptom control.

When to see a doctor

It’s important to see a doctor if you experience ongoing changes to your digestive health, such as:

• Persistent diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in your stool
• Ongoing fatigue

These could be signs of Crohn’s disease or another condition. The earlier you seek help, the sooner you can start treatment and prevent complications.

Finding a job with Crohn's disease

Living with Crohn’s disease can sometimes make it harder to find or keep a job, but support is available. With the right workplace modifications and flexibility, many people with Crohn’s disease thrive in a wide range of roles.

People with Crohn’s may face barriers like fatigue, access to suitable bathrooms at work, or difficulty maintaining regular hours during flare-ups. But employers can take simple steps to reduce these challenges – like offering flexible shifts, remote work options, or accessible facilities.

Some jobs offer more flexibility or comfort for people living with Crohn’s disease. Examples include:

• Administrative roles: Often involve consistent hours and the ability to take breaks when needed.
• Creative industries: Such as writing, graphic design, or marketing, which may offer remote work or project-based timelines.
• IT and tech: Many roles in this field offer flexible working arrangements and the option to work from home.
• Customer service or support roles: Depending on the company, these roles may offer part-time hours or remote work options.

With personalised support, such as through Disability Employment Services (DES), you can explore career options that suit your health and goals.

DES providers help people with disability, injury or health conditions find and keep jobs that work for them.

When Sean was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2016, it had a huge impact on his life and career.

But, some help from APM’s Employment Services, the Disability Employment Services (DES) program, and an understanding new employer have created a win-win for everyone.

Amelia, Sean’s Employment Consultant, began approaching local employers and quickly found a great fit with Geoff, the owner of a print and design company.

It was perfect for Sean as it suited his skillset and addressed his barriers by providing close access to a bathroom.

Sean also suited Geoff’s needs and overcame a significant challenge of finding good people in a regional area.

Finding the right support for your job journey

Living with Crohn’s disease doesn’t mean going it alone. If you’re ready to find work that suits your lifestyle and strengths, APM Employment Services is here to support you.

We’ll work with you to explore job opportunities that align with your goals. Reach out today and take the first step toward meaningful employment.

Resources and further reading

• Crohn’s disease – Health Direct 
• Crohn’s & Colitis Australia
• Support groups – Crohn’s & Colitis Australia
• Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis fact sheet – Gastroenterological Society of Australia
• Working with IBD: A guide for employees – Crohn’s & Colitis Australia
• IBD Support Australia
• Beyond Blue (for mental health support)

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Disability Employment Services in Australia.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

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