A serious complication of Crohn's disease is intestinal blockage, caused by a thickening, swelling, and scarring of the intestinal wall. Crohn's Disease in Kids Malnutrition is a common problem in Crohn's disease patients because of the inflammation and severe diarrhea associated with the condition. In children, an inadequate nutritional intake often leads to growth problems. Research shows that up to 50 percent of children with Crohn's disease experience slowed growth and about 25 percent end up being shorter than would normally be expected. Crohn's disease can also have adverse effects on a child's academic and social life.
Many children have a significant number of absences from school.
Roughly two-thirds of children with Crohn's disease report being unable to participate in sports or even leave the house. And 50 percent of children feel they are unable to play with their friends. Currently, there is no cure for Crohn's disease. Several groups of drugs are available to suppress inflammation, allow tissues to heal, and alleviate symptoms of the disease. In serious cases, when medications are no longer effective or when an intestinal blockage occurs, surgery is necessary to remove the diseased section of the digestive tract.