What is the prognosis of Crohn's disease?

The prognosis for Crohn's disease varies widely, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Outcomes can range from benign to severe, with some patients suffering only one episode, while others endure the disease continuously.

Approximately 13 to 20 percent of patients suffer from chronic Crohn's disease, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, but disease-free episodes can last for years or decades for some people. While the disease cannot be cured, treatment can offer significant help to many patients. Crohn's, a bowel disease, causes chronic inflammation in the digestive system. The condition is rarely fatal, and most patients can live out a normal life span.