Approximately 500,000 people in the United States have Crohn's disease, according to the FamilyDoctor.org. Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the lining of the gastrointestinal and digestive tract. While it can affect any area of the gastrointestinal tract, it most commonly affects the small intestine and colon.
Theories
While the exact cause of Crohn's disease remains unknown, researchers believe a number of factors play a role in the development of the disease. One potential cause of Crohn's disease is an exacerbated immune response to an invading virus or bacterium. When the immune system attempts to fight the invading organisms, the digestive tract becomes swollen. Another theory about the causes of Crohn's disease involves a mutation in the gene called NOD2 that seems to appear in people with Crohn's disease. People with this mutated gene seem to be at risk for a higher likelihood of needing surgery as well, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Symptoms
People with Crohn's disease commonly experience abdominal pain in the lower right region of the abdomen as well as diarrhea. People may also experience rectal bleeding, weight loss, skin problems, arthritis and fever. In children, Crohn's disease may hinder growth and delay development, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Risk Factors
The MayoClinic.com explains that while Crohn's disease can occur at any age, people are more likely to develop Crohn's disease when they are young, usually between the ages of 20 and 30. Caucasians and Ashkenazi Jewish show a greater risk for developing the disease than other populations, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. People who smoke are at greater risk for developing Crohn's disease as well as more severe complications from the disease. The medications isotretinoin as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications also increases a person's risk of developing Crohn's disease.
Complications
Crohn's disease often affects the thickness of the intestinal walls, causing them to narrow. This can lead to a bowel obstruction. In some cases, chronic inflammation can lead to open sores along the digestive tract, including the mouth and anus, according to the MayoClinic.com. People may develop small tears around the anus due to bowel disorders such as constipation as well as malnutrition due to abdominal pain and cramping.
Treatments
Physicians often prescribe medications such as sulfasalazine, mesalamine and corticosteroids to help treat the chronic inflammation associated with the disease. Immune suppressing drugs may also be prescribed such as azathioprine and infliximab to help reduce the immune response. People who develop abscesses or ulcerations along the digestive tract may receive antibiotics. Other medications include anti-diarrheals, laxatives, pain relievers and iron supplements.
