Onset of Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic condition in which the body's immune system begins to attack naturally occurring intestinal flora. Along with diseases such as colitis, Crohn's is part of a large group of gastrointestinal diseases referred to as inflammatory bowel disease.

Causes

• The cause of Crohn's has been linked to genetics, environmental factors and the body's immune system. What exactly causes the onset of Crohn's is still unclear.

Symptoms

• At onset of the disease, sufferers experience moderate to severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and intestinal inflammation. As the disease progresses, significant damage may occur in the intestines and bowels.

Demographics

• Crohn's disease tends to first appear in young adulthood. American Jews of European descent, as well as those living in developed nations, seem to be more likely to develop Crohn's.

Diagnostics

• Usually doctors attempt to rule out all other conditions before testing for Crohn's. Blood tests, fecal occult blood tests, colonoscopy and bowel imaging, along with other tests, may indicate whether you have Crohn's Disease.

Treatments

• Beginning treatments usually consist of anti-inflammatory or steroid medications and nutritional supplements.