Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any region along the full gastrointestinal tract (i.e., from mouth to anus). It is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system innately attacks its own healthy cells. Inflammation and/or the development of ulcers can manifest at any region of the gastrointestinal tract, but do not necessarily affect all regions. Types of Crohn’s disease and certain areas of the gastrointestinal tracts affected can include:

• Ileocolitis – affects the end of the small intestine leading to the large intestine
• Ileitis – affects the last section of the small intestine called the ileum
• Gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease – affects the stomach and beginning of the small intestine called the duodenum
• Jejunoileitis – affects the upper parts of the small intestines called the jejunum
• Granulomatous colitis – affects the large intestine

The exact cause of the Crohn’s disease is relatively unknown, but there do exist increased risks for individuals who:

• Have a family history of inflammatory bowel disease
• Are Jewish, White, or of European descent
• Smoke
• Live in high pollution areas
• Use oral contraception
• Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Are in their late teens to 30 years old

Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that can be treated but not cured. Individuals with Crohn’s disease often experience periods of time with active disease (i.e., present symptoms), but also experience periods of time with decreased disease activity (i.e., present little or no symptoms). Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can include:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramping
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Malnutrition
• Anemia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rectal bleeding
• Skin lesions