Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease, along with ulcerative colitis, is one of the two better known forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Crohn’s disease, also known as ileitis or enteritis, causes inflammation and swelling in the intestines. Unlike ulcerative colitis which causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the lining of the large intestine, Crohn’s disease affects all layers of the intestine and can affect any area of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum. In addition, normal healthy bowel can be found between sections of diseased bowel.

It affects men and women equally. Crohn’s disease appears to be hereditary as there are reports of up to 20 percent of people with ulcerative colitis having a family member or relative, most often a brother or sister, with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease can occur in people of all ages, but it is more often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 30.

The symptoms of Crohn’s disease are similar to other intestinal disorders, such as ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome and therefore can be difficult to diagnose. The most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease are abdominal pain, cramping and diarrhea. These symptoms show up primarily after meals, and pain is usually centered at or below the navel, often in the lower right part of the abdomen. Symptoms may also include loss of appetite and weight loss, fever, fatigue, rectal bleeding, joint pain and sores around the anal area.

The cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, but research suggests that it is related to an abnormality in the immune system. It is believed that the immune system reacts abnormally to bacteria, foods and other substances in the digestive tract. It appears that the immune system’s response is to attack these “invaders.” During this process, white blood cells accumulate in the lining of the intestines, producing chronic inflammation, which leads to ulcerations and inflammation.

Treatment for Crohn’s disease depends on the severity of the disease. Treatments range from drug therapies to reduce the inflammation, suppress the immune system, relieve pain, control diarrhea and eliminate infection. Other treatments include nutrition supplements and surgery.