Crohn's Disease: Fast Facts
Reviewed By:
David Friedel, M.D., AGA
- Crohn's disease is a serious, chronic condition that can affect a person's entire digestive tract, from mouth to anus.
- It causes inflammation and open sores that may result in diarrhea, bloody stool, abdominal pain and weight loss.
- Crohn's disease can affect different parts of the digestive tract and in different ways.
- Crohn's disease most commonly occurs at the lower end of the small intestine and upper part of the large intestine.
- It can cause deep tissue irritation and can lead to serious medical complications, such as obstruction or perforation of the intestines, which can require surgery.
- The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown, although it appears to run in families. It is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.
- Crohn's disease occurs primarily in North America and Europe.
- Young people between the ages of 15 and 35 are more likely to develop this condition, as are whites and people of a Jewish ethnic background.
- Cigarette smokers also have an increased risk of developing Crohn's disease.
- When symptoms appear, an initial visit to a doctor may include a physical examination, medical history, blood tests and stool tests.
- The most common imaging tests used to diagnose Crohn's disease are barium x-rays and various forms of endoscopy.
- People with Crohn's disease may experience alternating periods of symptom activity and relief throughout their lives.
- Although there is no cure for Crohn's disease, various medical and surgical treatment options exist.
- Medications are available to help reduce or eliminate the ulcers and inflammation, as well as the symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- Most people with this condition require surgery at some point.
- Even after surgery, Crohn's disease often reappears elsewhere in the digestive tract.
- Dietary factors or emotional stress can aggravate the symptoms of Crohn's disease.
- Maintaining a healthy diet, especially one with adequate calories, proteins and nutrients, is important for people with this condition.
- Other names for Crohn's disease include ileitis and enteritis.
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