Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease:

• Can affect you at any age (most commonly occurs in adults ages 20 to 30)
• Often develops in people of Jewish heritage (it’s less likely in African Americans)
• Runs in families

What causes Crohn’s disease?

The cause of Crohn’s disease is based on theories. One is that a virus or a bacterium affects your body’s immune system and triggers an inflammatory reaction in the intestinal wall. Evidence shows that, if you have this disease, you’ll often have abnormalities of the immune system; however, it’s not certain that this is the cause of the disease. There is no evidence that Crohn’s disease is caused by stress.

How is Crohn’s disease or IBD diagnosed?

To help confirm a diagnosis of IBD, you may have one or more of the following tests and procedures:

Blood tests

• Tests for anemia or infection
• Fecal occult blood test

Endoscopic procedures

• Upper endoscopy
• Capsule endoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy exam
• Colonoscopy
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Balloon-assisted enteroscopy

Imaging procedures

• X-ray
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

How is Crohn’s disease treated?

The goal of IBD treatment is to reduce the inflammation that triggers your symptoms. In the best cases, this may lead not only to symptom relief but also to long-term remission and reduced risks of complications. IBD treatment usually involves anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, antibiotics and other medications or supplements.

Can lifestyle changes improve Crohn's disease?

You may feel helpless when facing IBD. But there are things you can do to feel better. Changes in your diet and lifestyle may help control your symptoms and lengthen the time between flare-ups.

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