Crohn’s Disease is a chronic, incurable inflammatory affliction of the gastrointestinal tract. Any part of the GI tract (as it is more commonly known) can be affected by the disease from the mouth to the anus but the most commonly affected part of the body is the lower part of the small intestine, also known as the ileum. The swelling in this area causes the bowel to empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea that can often be particularly severe.

The symptoms of Crohn’s Disease are very similar to those of other inflammatory bowel disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, which can make it difficult to diagnose effectively.

Crohn’s Disease affects men and women in equal numbers and does seem to run in families to a certain extent, especially those of Jewish descent. Those of African American heritage have a far lower incidence of Crohn’s Disease than other ethnic groups.

There are a number of popular theories within the medical community about what might actually cause the onset of Crohn’s disease but none of them are considered definitaive as of yet. The most commonly held theory is that immune system of people who suffer from Crohn’s Disease functions in a somewhat abnormal way and that it mistakes food for a “foreign” invader, and subsequently turns on an attack mechanism. This in turn causes a buildup of white blood vessels along the small intestine’s walls, resulting in inflammation, often leading to lesions and permanent damage to the colon.

Scientists are now trying to figure out if this immune system abnormality is the cause of the disease or merely a byproduct of it. Research shows that the inflammation seen in the GI tract of people with Crohn’s Disease is actually caused by a number of factors, including genetics and outside environmental influences so a definitive answer still may be a long way off.

The treatments available for those with Crohn’s Disease are numerous and are applied on a case by case basis. Some people can go years without a “flare up” just by making a few tweaks in their diet, while others suffer from almost constant pain and other complications.

For many Crohn’s Disease patients at some point in their life surgery becomes a necessity. For those who develop blockages, lesions or perforations it is imperative in many cases.  Surgery which removes part of the intestine can significantly reduce symptoms but it can never be considered a cure.In fact  it is not uncommon for people with Crohn’s Disease to have more than one operation, as inflammation tends to return to the area next to where the diseased intestine was removed.

People who suffer from Crohn’s Disease do have to come to terms with the fact that it is a condition that will be with them for life, but with medication and diet modification many are able to go for long periods without a flare up and are able to lead a relatively normal life.