Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to anus.
Overview
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to anus, but most commonly the end of the small intestine or ileum and beginning of the large intestine or caecum. Unlike ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s inflammation can occur in patches and extend through the full thickness of the bowel wall.It affects around 1 in 1,500 Australians and is increasing in prevalence (thelancet.com).
Common Misunderstandings
Crohn’s is sometimes mistaken for a food intolerance or infection, leading to delays in diagnosis. Many patients face years of fluctuating symptoms, invasive tests, and strong medications. The unpredictable nature of flares can cause anxiety, fatigue, and social withdrawal.
How is Crohn's Disease Linked to Your Microbiome?
- Crohn’s patients often have reduced microbial diversity and fewer anti-inflammatory bacteria such as F. prausnitzii and fewer gut barrier protective bacteria such as Akkermansia (gut.bmj.com).
- Increased levels of certain bacteria (e.g. adherent-invasive E. coli) have been linked to intestinal inflammation (nature.com).
- Dysbiosis may impair the gut barrier, allowing bacteria to trigger immune overactivation.
- While not the sole cause, microbiome changes appear to worsen inflammation and may influence treatment response.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain
Often lower right side
Diarrhoea
Sometime with blood
Weight loss
Reduced appetite
Fatigue
Mouth ulcers
Joint pain
Skin rashes during flares
The Microbiome Clinic™
Our treatment approach for crohn's disease includes:
Gut Microbiome Test
Profile the gut to identify dysbiosis that may be affecting symptoms or treatment using the Gut Microbiome Test.
Targeted Antimicrobial Strategies
Antibiotics and plant-based or pharmaceutical antimicrobials (where appropriate) to reduce the overgrown population of unwanted bacteria in the gut.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Personalised probiotics and prebiotics are introduced slowly to restore balance and biodiversity of microbes in the gut without fuelling overgrowth.
Nutritional and Motility Support
Nutrition strategies to support recovery and enhance your overall health.
Been diagnosed with Crohn's Disease?
