Danger level: Medium

What is it?

Crohn’s disease is a condition in which there is a chronic inflammation in the intestines (you might also hear the name inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) when Crohn’s is mentioned).

Who gets it?

About 7 people out of 100,000 in the US (and about 1-10 out of 100,000 in Europe) get Crohn’s disease. More and more people have been getting the disease in the last 5 decades, especially in northern areas. It’s less common in other areas of the world, like Asia, South Africa and Latin America.

The disease can begin at two time periods in life – most commonly in the ages 15-30, but also at 60-80.

There are a few things known to increase the risk as well -

• Crohn’s is more common in Ashkenazi Jews.
• If you have a close family member with Crohn’s (parent, sibling, children) – your chances of getting it are also higher.
• Smokers have a higher chance of developing Crohn’s.

What causes it?

No one knows exactly why it is caused. It might be related to an over-reaction of the immune system to normal bacteria in the intestines, although other theories exist as well.

Whatever the cause may be, it causes an inflammation in the intestines (the small intestine as well as the large intestine). This inflammation causes damage to the intestines, which brings about the symptoms of the disease.

How does it feel?

Usually Crohn’s has a pattern of flares (when the disease worsens) and remissions (when it gets better).

The main symptoms of Crohn’s are abdominal pain and diarrhea (sometimes with blood). The diarrhea can appear many times a day (even 10-20), and even at night. This can cause weight loss, as well.

Other things which are related to our digestive system and that happen here can include mouth sores, bowel blockages, anal fissures (tears), and openings between organs (called fistulas).

Unfortunately, Crohn’s isn’t limited to our digestive system. Other things can happen here as well -

1. Growth failure – If the disease starts at an early age, there may be a problem with the growth of the child.
2. Fever
3. Inflammation in the eyes
4. Inflammation in the joints (which can also involve the spine)
5. Skin flares

And others…

This photo shows what happens on the inside of a Crohn patient’s intestines – You can see wounds (ulcers) all over the place. Photo by Samir.

How is it discovered?

There are several tests which can be done to discover Crohn’s. They include -

1. X-Rays or CT scans of the intestines
2. Colonoscopy – Which is a tube with a camera which is inserted into the intestines and can show what’s going on inside them (like in the picture above).
3. Biopsy – A sample of the intestines can be taken to see the disease under the microscope.

How is it treated?

There are two types of treatments for Crohn’s:

1. Medications – There are many drugs out there used to treat Crohn’s. They include drugs that take down the inflammation in the body (such as steroids and others), as well as antibiotics and other drugs.
2. Surgery – Sometimes the drugs won’t do the trick, and a surgery may be the only way to improve the symptoms. Surgery doesn’t cure the disease, though – it only takes down the diseased part of the intestines, but other parts can continue to develop the disease.

What happens after treatment?

Crohn’s is a chronic disease, meaning it can’t be cured. Flares of the disease can continue in spite of the treatment, although less severely.

People with Crohn’s are also more likely to develop colon cancer over time.

The bottom line – How do I avoid it?

Since the cause for Crohn’s isn’t known, there is currently no known way to prevent it.

This video tells the story of pro quarterback David Garrard and the effect Crohn’s disease had on his life:

For another personal story, you can read the living with Crohn’s disease blog, written by Scottie Roy.

If you had a brush with the disease or know of anyone who did you’re welcome to share it in the comments below.

What next?

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