Crohn’s disease is a long-term, chronic disorder of the intestine. The underlying cause is unknown. In persons who have Crohn’s disease, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract becomes inflamed and weak, making digestion difficult and leading to general physical debility.

Symptoms

Crohn’s disease is typically diagnosed among people in their 20s and 30s, but the disease also occurs in infants and children. The disease is thought to be a lifelong ailment that can be controlled, but at present there is no cure or even a definitive cause. People with Crohn’s disease usually experience excruciatingly painful attacks of abdominal pain and diarrhea followed by weeks, months or even years of remission.

Development of abscesses or fistulas, or tubes that form a connection between two organs and allow the passage of fluid and stool, is a common complication of Crohn’s disease. These connections can happen between the intestinal loops, the intestines and the bladder or between the intestine and the skin. They often occur near the anus. Surgery may be required.

The symptoms of Crohn’s disease are similar to ulcerative colitis, and both conditions are categorized as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Crohn’s disease can attack any part of the digestive system from the mouth to the anus (click here to find out more about the digestive system), but it most commonly affects the lower portion of the small intestine (called the ileum). Ulcers form on the inner intestinal lining, and they eventually spread through the intestinal wall. As the affected part of the intestine becomes scarred and thick, the passage narrows, disrupting nutrient absorption and normal bowel function.

The following are the most prevalent symptoms of Crohn’s disease:

• Severe abdominal pain and diarrhea that is occasionally mixed with blood (unlike ulcerative colitis, in which patients may have episodes of diarrhea as often as 10-15 times a day, people with Crohn’s may have fewer episodes, although each episode may be extraordinarily painful. However, as with other elements of the disease, it is difficult to make sweeping generalizations.)
• Cramps or pain after eating, especially in the lower right side of the abdomen.
• Chronic low-grade fever, loss of appetite, fatigue or weight loss, especially if accompanied by persistent nausea and vomiting.
• Arthritis flare-ups in the arms or legs with the above symptoms.
• In young children, any of the symptoms above, plus failure to thrive; in older children, failure to grow at a normal rate.
• Anemia

Causes

Although the actual cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, it may be an autoimmune disorder. Inflammation apparently occurs when the body’s own immune system (for reasons not yet understood) attacks a part of the intestine. There has been other research indicating the possibility of viral factors causing or contributing to Crohn’s disease; however, no specific viral agent has been identified. Food allergies most likely play a role and early research suggests that consumption of highly refined foods may be involved.

Controlling Episodes

Many natural therapies have shown to be highly effective at helping the body to rebuild and repair the intestines in those with Crohn’s disease. A multi-faceted approach seems to work best; see the What You Can Do sections for more details.