Crohn’s disease may lead to a number of complications: 1. Inflammation. Inflammation may be confined to the intestinal wall, leading to scarring of the wall, narrowing of the lumen (sclerosis), or it may penetrate the wall and form an intestinal fistula. 2, Intestinal obstruction. Crohn’s disease affects the thickness of the intestinal wall. Over time, some of the intestinal tubes thicken and narrow, resulting in a blockage of the digestive tract, where digested food cannot pass through. Surgery may be needed to remove the diseased bowel. 3. Ulcers. Chronic inflammation can lead to ulcers anywhere in the digestive tract, including the mouth, anus, and in the perineum. 4. Fistula. Some ulcers reach deep into the muscular layer, which can then penetrate the intestinal wall and create a fistula, an abnormal connection between different organs. Fistulas can occur between the bowel and the skin, or between the bowel and other organs. Fistulas are most common around the anus. When a fistula develops in the abdomen, food bypasses the intestinal tubes that absorb nutrients. Fistulas may also occur between the bowel tubes or penetrate toward the bladder, vagina, or skin, causing the contents of the bowel to flow out of the skin. In some cases the fistula may become co-infected and form an abscess, which may be life-threatening if left untreated. 5, anal fissure. This is a small fissure in the anus or perianal skin that may be combined with infection. It often causes painful defecation and may lead to the appearance of anal fistula 6, malnutrition. Symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and stomach pain may affect appetite and difficulty in nutrient absorption, leading to malnutrition. Anemia is more common due to iron deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency. 7. Bowel cancer. Crohn’s disease involving the colon increases the risk of bowel cancer. For the general population without Crohn’s disease colonoscopies are recommended starting at age 50 and every 10 years. Talk to your primary care physician about the need for colonoscopies earlier and more frequently. 8. Other health problems. Crohn’s disease can cause problems in other parts of the body, including anemia, osteoporosis, and gallbladder and liver lesions. 9. Drug-related risks. Certain medications used in the treatment of Crohn’s disease work by suppressing the immune system and therefore may cause an increased risk of tumors such as lymphomas and skin tumors. These medications may also cause an increased risk of infection. Glucocorticoids may increase the risk of: osteoporosis, bone fractures, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The benefits and risks of the medications in question can be obtained from your primary care physician.