It is possible to live a fulfilling and relatively normal lifestyle after getting diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. For some people, their condition remains mild and well-managed, and they may experience many years of remission without any major symptoms at all. In some people, however, the condition can be more severe and disabling, especially if they have other chronic health conditions, too, like celiac disease, obesity, and heart disease.
Most people with Crohn’s disease experience at least some degree of disease progression over the years. So, close management and routine check-ins with a medical team is important for improving outcomes.
FAQ
What is the life expectancy of someone with Crohn’s disease?
Most people with Crohn’s disease have the same life expectancy of people without Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease may lead to a shortened lifespan if life-threatening complications arise.
Is Crohn’s disease fatal?
Crohn’s disease isn’t directly fatal in and of itself, but it may lead to potentially fatal complications. These complications include massive infections, bleeding, colorectal cancer, and severe malnutrition. Some research also suggests that some people with Crohn’s disease are more at risk of death by suicide, due to the psychological and emotional challenges of living with a painful chronic condition.
Does Crohn’s get worse with age?
For some people, Crohn’s disease gets worse as they get older, often due to the cumulative effects of inflammation and tissue damage, and because of other complications or age-related health changes. However, not everyone with Crohn’s disease experiences increasing disease severity as they get older, and in some people their condition may even improve.
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