Health Tip: Crohn's Disease Can Cause Complications

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(HealthDay News) -- Crohn's disease causes portions of the digestive tract to swell. This can trigger pain and cause the intestines to empty frequently.

Swelling and scar tissue can trigger dangerous complications, including a blockage in the intestines, the U.S. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says.

The agency says additional complications of Crohn's could include:

• Ulcers called fistulas that form in the intestinal tract and may tunnel to surrounding tissue.
• Malnutrition or vitamin deficiencies.
• Anemia.
• Slowed growth in children.
• Bone problems, including osteoporosis.

-- Diana Kohnle

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