Gastrointestinal conditions

Crohn's Disease

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease causing digestive tract inflammation, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
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About

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract, most commonly the small intestine and colon. Symptoms often include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, and weight loss. It tends to flare and settle over time.

This condition is often invisible.

Many disabilities, including this one, may not have outward signs—people can be significantly impacted even if they appear “fine” on the outside.

Common Challenges

  • Urgent and frequent need to use the toilet:

    Urgent and frequent need to use the toilet

  • Fatigue and reduced stamina, especially during flare-ups:

    Fatigue and reduced stamina, especially during flare-ups

  • Abdominal pain and discomfort affecting concentration:

    Abdominal pain and discomfort affecting concentration

  • Difficulty maintaining consistent attendance during symptom flares:

    Difficulty maintaining consistent attendance during symptom flares

  • Side effects from medications (e.g., immune suppression, nausea):

    Side effects from medications (e.g., immune suppression, nausea)

  • Stress may worsen symptoms:

    Stress may worsen symptoms

Practitioner Help

  • Assist with identifying flexible and toilet-accessible job options:

    Assist with identifying flexible and toilet-accessible job options

  • Support planning for energy conservation and symptom management:

    Support planning for energy conservation and symptom management

  • Help the participant communicate their needs to employers:

    Help the participant communicate their needs to employers

  • Liaise with health professionals to clarify medical restrictions:

    Liaise with health professionals to clarify medical restrictions

  • Promote job-seeking confidence during and between flare-ups:

    Promote job-seeking confidence during and between flare-ups

Common Accommodations

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Notes

Crohn’s disease varies greatly between individuals. With proper management, many people can continue working productively by planning for flares and making small, respectful adjustments to their work environment.

World Crohn’s Disease Day is observed May 19th or May 23rd

Resources

  • Crohn's disease | healthdirect
  • Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis | Better Health Channel
  • Crohn's disease – Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA)
Gastrointestinal conditions

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