Crohn’s Disease

Causing inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract, Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patients experience abdominal pain and severe diarrhea as a result. In the worse cases, people face malnutrition. Depending on the part of the digestive tract that the disease affects, symptoms vary for each person. The disease can occur at any age, but usually manifests in people between the ages of 15 to 35. People with Jewish ancestry, smokers, and those with a family history of Crohn’s disease are most at risk for developing the condition.

There are five different types of Crohn’s disease that a patient may encounter. The most common is called ileocolitis, which strikes the lowest part of the small intestine (ileum) and the large intestine (colon). Ileitis only affects the ileum. Inflammation in the stomach and first part of the small intestine (the duodenum) is called gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease. Jejunoileitis causes spotty patches of inflammation to develop on the top half of the small intestine (jejunum). A patient with Crohn’s (granulomatous) colitis only suffers symptoms that affect the large intestine.

Causes and Symptoms

Doctors are unaware of what sets Crohn’s disease in motion, but believe that environmental factors and an individual’s genes play a role in the development of the condition. Some physicians suggest that the body could be over-responding to normal bacteria found in the intestines. When you have Crohn’s disease, certain signs and symptoms emerge. Some develop gradually or appear out of the blue. They can range from mild to severe. Sometimes, you will have period of time when no symptoms are present – this is called remission.

• Diarrhea and loose stools • Intestinal cramping • Stomach pain and cramps • Bloody stools • Ulcers • Reduced appetite and weight loss

Severe cases of Crohn’s disease may cause a fever, fatigue, arthritis, eye inflammation, mouth sores, skin disorders, inflammation of the liver, and delayed growth in children.