diagnosis
What are tests like colonoscopy or imaging actually looking for?
Crohn's disease causes swelling inside your digestive tract. It most often affects the small intestine.
Crohn's disease causes long-lasting swelling in the digestive tract. It most often affects the small intestine. It can also affect the start of the large intestine. Over time, problems can develop. These include intestinal obstruction — a blockage in the intestine. They also include fistulas — abnormal connections inside the body. Abscesses are pus-filled pockets of infection. Open sores called ulcers can form too. Tests help your care team find where the swelling is. They also check if these problems have developed. Ask your care team what your test is designed to check.
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This page is educational, not medical advice. Talk with your care team about decisions that apply to you. If something feels urgent, contact your care team — for emergencies call your local emergency number.
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