Crohn's disease causes inflammation of your digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhoea, blood in your poo, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. Inflammation caused by Crohn's disease can involve different areas of the digestive tract in different people.

The symptoms may be constant or they may come and go. The main treatments for Crohn's disease are medicines that reduce inflammation in your gut and stop it coming back. Some people may need to have surgery.

The exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. It's been linked to things like your genes and a problem with the immune system. Stress can also make it appear worse.

There is no special diet for Crohn's disease, but a healthy balanced diet may help your symptoms. These self-help tips may help you to manage your Crohn's disease:

• eat smaller, more frequent meals
• lose weight if you're overweight
• reduce your alcohol intake
• stop smoking
• avoid food and drink that may trigger your Crohn's symptoms
• become more active
• find ways to relax
• practice mindfulness

• NHS Crohn's disease
• Patient webinars inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which includes Crohn's disease
• Crohn's and Colitis UK