Crohn's

Crohn’s disease is a lifelong inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract anywhere from the mouth to anus. Crohn’s is of current concern because 1.4 million Americans suffer from this disease.

The cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown. Even though there is no evidence, it’s thought to be caused by a virus or bacterium. When the body attempts to fight off these foreign invaders, it ends up attacking the digestive tissue leading to inflammation. Genetics is also a factor because the predisposition to unusual activation of the immune system is genetically inherited. People with immediate family members who have the disease are more likely to develop the disease. (medicinenet.com)

Age, ethnicity, family history, smoking, stress, and geographical location are all risk factors for Crohn’s Disease. Most people are diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease before age 30, although it is possible to be diagnosed later in life. Any ethnic group can be effected by it is found more in Caucasian. 1 in 5 people with Crohn’s Disease also have an immediate family member with the disease such as a parent or sibling. Smoking not only puts you at risk for developing the disease by also can worsen the disease if the person continues to smoke. Stress does not cause the disease but can activate symptoms and flare ups. A higher % of people who live in cities have Crohn’s Disease when compared with rural areas. This is thought to be because people who live in urban areas have a diet higher in fat and refined foods. (mayo clinic)

Crohn’s Disease is an ongoing chronic condition that fluctuates between periods of remission and relapse. It varies from person to person; symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. A main symptom of Crohn’s disease is abdominal pain described as cramping progressing to a dull constant ache; the abdomen may be sore when touched. Another common symptom, diarrhea, can be as often as 10 to 20 times a day and may...