the most common complication is blockage of the intestine. blockage occurs because the disease tends to thicken the intestinal wall with swelling and scar tissue narrowing the passage. crohn's disease may also cause sores or ulcers that tunnel through the affected area into surrounding tissues such as the bladder vagina or skin. the areas around the anus and rectum are often involved. the tunnels called fistulas are a common complication and often become infected. sometimes fistulas can be treated with medicine but in some cases they may require surgery. nutritional complications are common in crohn's disease. deficiencies of proteins calories and vitamins are well documented in crohn's disease. these deficiencies may be caused by inadequate dietary intake intestinal loss of protein or poor absorption (malabsorption). other complications associated with crohn's disease include arthritis skin problems inflammation in the eyes or mouth kidney stones gallstones or other diseases of the liver and biliary system. some of these problems resolve during treatment for disease in the digestive system but some must be treated separately.
what are the complications of crohn's disease?