Crohn’s Disease

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Crohn’s Disease, sometimes called regional enteritis, a chronic inflammation of the intestines resulting from an extreme reaction of the immune system. The cause is unknown, although there is a genetic tendency to develop this disease and environmental factors are also thought to play a part. It may occur at any age but is most common in young adults, with most people first affected during their teens or twenties.

The symptoms of Crohn's disease include diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fever. Anemia is also common due to bleeding from the intestine but such hemorrhaging is rare. The lining of the intestine becomes inflamed and ulcers form. Parts of the lining also become swollen, forming a characteristic “cobble-stoned” appearance. The muscle wall of the intestine becomes toughened and fibrous and some areas may become obstructed. Abnormal passages, called fistulae, may form when the inflammation spreads from the intestine through its wall and makes a hole, allowing partly digested or fecal material to pass from the inside of the intestine to another part of the body.

Treatment typically consists of controlling any dietary deficiencies caused by the disease and administering anti-inflammatory drugs called corticosteroids. Drugs to suppress the immune system may also be used to counteract abnormal allergic reactions or exaggerated response to an infectious agent.

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