Definition

Crohn's is a severe, chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It causes inflammation, ulcers , and bleeding in the digestive tract. It usually affects the end portion of the small intestine called the ileum. However, any part of the digestive tract can be affected, from the mouth to the anus.

Small Intestine

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Causes

The cause of Crohn's disease is not known. Inflammatory bowel diseases ( ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) seem to run in some families. Some researchers think that it is due to a reaction to a virus or bacteria. The immune system overreacts and causes damage to the intestines.

Risk Factors

Factors increase your chance of getting Crohn's include:

• Family members with inflammatory bowel disease
• Jewish heritage
• Diet high in fat, sugar, and meat

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Anemia
• Weight loss
• Fatigue, weakness
• Nausea
• Fever
• Mouth sores
• Sores, abscesses in the anal area

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Tests may include:

• Blood tests
• Stool examination
• Barium swallow —a series of x-rays of structures inside the throat that are taken after drinking a barium-containing liquid
• Barium enema x-ray —insertion of fluid into the rectum that makes your colon show up on an x-ray
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy —a thin, lighted tube inserted into the rectum to examine the rectum and the lower colon
• Colonoscopy —a thin, lighted tube inserted through the rectum and into the colon to examine the lining of the colon
• Biopsy —removal of a sample of colon tissue for testing (may be performed as part of a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy)

If you are diagnosed with Crohn's disease, follow your doctor's instructions .

Treatment

Treatment may include:

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing Crohn's disease because the cause is unknown.