![Logo Lockup [placeholder]](https://deepakkejariwal.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Logo-lockup-placeholder.png){kind=logo}
Concerned about symptoms?
Most patients are seen within one to two weeks at Cobalt Hospital.
Secretary
RELATED
IBD Treatment
Ulcerative Colitis
Diarrhoea
Colonoscopy
TRUSTED INFORMATION
Independent national charity, patient guides and support.
What is Crohn's disease?
A lifelong condition where parts of the digestive system become inflamed. With the right diagnosis and plan, most people live full, active lives.
Crohn’s disease symptoms are assessed and managed by Dr Kejariwal at Cobalt Hospital. Crohn’s disease itself is a lifelong form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the back passage, most commonly the small bowel and colon, causing inflammation that comes and goes over time.
Patients across Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham, North Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland are referred to Dr Kejariwal given his decade leading the IBD Service at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, providing continuity of specialist care from diagnosis through to long-term monitoring.
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic factors, an overactive immune response, and environmental triggers such as smoking, diet, and previous gut infections. It most commonly develops between the ages of 15 and 40.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain, often in the lower right side
- Diarrhoea, which may contain blood or mucus
- Weight loss and reduced appetite
- Fatigue
- Mouth ulcers, in some patients
When to seek help: Severe abdominal pain, persistent fever, or an inability to keep food down should be assessed urgently.
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis usually combines blood tests, stool tests (calprotectin), and imaging with a colonoscopy and biopsies to confirm the diagnosis and identify which parts of the bowel are affected. In some cases, further imaging such as an MRI scan is used to assess the small bowel in more detail.
Treatment options
Treatment aims to control inflammation and induce and maintain remission, using anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating medication, biologic therapies, dietary support and monitoring, with surgical referral where needed. There are no outcome guarantees, and Dr Kejariwal builds a personalised plan with you at consultation. Read more on our IBD treatment page.
Living with Crohn's disease in 2026
Crohn’s disease affects an estimated 1 in 350 people in the UK, and while it remains a lifelong condition, advances in biologic and targeted therapies mean that more patients than ever achieve sustained remission. Regular monitoring helps catch flares early, before they significantly affect quality of life.
Self-care and prevention
Not smoking is one of the most important steps for anyone with Crohn’s disease, as smoking is linked to more frequent flares and complications. Eating a balanced diet, staying well hydrated, keeping vaccinations up to date, and managing stress can all support better long-term control.
What to expect at your appointment
Your first consultation with Dr Kejariwal at Cobalt Hospital typically lasts long enough to cover your full history, current symptoms, and any previous tests or treatment in detail, without feeling rushed. He will explain what he thinks is happening in plain English, talk through the realistic options available, and agree a clear next step with you, whether that is further testing, starting treatment, or simply a period of monitoring. A written summary is sent to you and, where appropriate, your GP after every appointment, so nothing gets lost between visits. Most patients are offered an appointment within one to two weeks of getting in touch, and urgent concerns are prioritised accordingly.
When to see a specialist
See a specialist for persistent digestive symptoms lasting more than a few weeks, blood in the stool, or unexplained weight loss.
Frequently asked questions about Crohn's disease
What is the difference between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?
Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract and often involves deeper tissue layers, while ulcerative colitis affects only the large bowel and rectum lining.
Can Crohn's disease be cured?
There is currently no cure, but most people achieve long periods of remission with the right treatment plan and ongoing specialist monitoring.
Can diet help manage Crohn's disease?
There is no single diet proven to treat Crohn’s disease, but many patients find that identifying and avoiding personal trigger foods, alongside medical treatment, helps to manage symptoms during flares.
Is Crohn's disease hereditary?
Having a close relative with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis increases your own risk, suggesting a genetic component, though most people with the condition have no family history at all.