Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic intestinal inflammatory disease which causes ulcers of the small and large intestines, which can effect the entire digestive system, from mouth to anus. Also called granulomatous enteritis, colitis, regional enteritis, or ileitis, the disease is named for the physician who first described the disease in 1932. Along with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease is grouped into a disorder commonly called inflammatory bowel disease. Although these diseases are incurable, there tend to be periods of remission and relapse after the onset of the condition. The disease strikes both men and women, commonly presenting itself in adolescence and early adulthood. Crohn's disease may be genetically linked, as relatives often suffer from the disease concurrently. The causes of Crohn's disease are still unknown. Common symptoms of the disease include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. More severe symptoms include loss of appetite, fever, night sweats, rectal pain, and rectal bleeding. Each patient's case is unique, and periods of remission and relapse vary. Prescription drugs and surgery are treatment options for Crohn's disease.