Crohn's disease is a form of irritable bowel syndrome that is thought to be caused by an immune system abnormality and/or heredity. Diet and stress are known to aggravate the condition; however, these factors are not believed to be the cause of the disease.
Time Frame
Most Crohn's disease diagnoses are made when the patient is 20 to 30 years old; however, a diagnosis may be made at any point in the patient's life.
Risk Factors
A family history of irritable bowel syndrome, especially in Caucasians of European or Jewish descent, is the main risk factor of Crohn's disease. Smoking, taking Accutane or NSAIDs, eating a diet that is high in saturated fat and sugars without eating enough vegetables and fruits, and living in an industrialized country are also risk factors.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Crohn's disease include frequent bouts of diarrhea that may be bloody, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and/or bloating and stools that float. Lack of appetite, fatigue, weight loss and unexplained fever are also possible.
Serious Symptoms
Liver inflammation, arthritis and inflammation of the eyes are severe symptoms of the disease. Skin conditions may develop in those with severe Crohn's disease as a result of the body's inability to digest foods.
Diagnostic Tests
To reach a definitive diagnosis, a physician may order blood tests, fecal occult blood tests and CT scans. Additionally, an endoscopy or capsule endoscopy, barium enema, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy and small bowel imaging may also be required.
