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Crohn’s disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation of the lining of your digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea and even malnutrition. Like ulcerative colitis, another common IBD, Crohn's disease can be both painful and debilitating, and sometimes may lead to life-threatening complications. Signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease can range from mild to severe and may develop gradually or come on suddenly, without warning. You may also have periods of time when you have no signs or symptoms (remission). When the disease is active, signs and symptoms may include: diarrhea, intensified cramping, abdominal pain, bright red blood or darker blood mixed with stool, small sores developing into ulcers in the intestine and mouth as well, reduced appetite and weight loss. People with severe Crohn's disease may also experience fever, fatigue, arthritis, eye inflammation, skin disorders, inflammation of the liver or bile ducts, delayed growth or sexual development in children.

The exact cause of Crohn's disease remains unknown. Previously, diet and stress were suspected, but now doctors know that although these factors may aggravate existing Crohn's disease, they don't cause it. Now, researchers believe that a number of factors, such as heredity and a malfunctioning immune system play a role in the development of Crohn's disease. Risk factors for Crohn's disease may include young age (before 30), ethnicity (Eastern European Jewish groups), family history (1 in 5 with Crohn’s disease has a positive family history), smoking (the most important controllable risk factor), environmental factors (urban life), diet rich in fat and refined foods.

Crohn's disease is diagnosed only after ruling out other possible causes for your signs and symptoms, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulitis and colon cancer. To help confirm a diagnosis of Crohn's disease, you may have blood tests, fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy, CT, MRI, and endoscopy. While there's no known cure for Crohn's disease, therapies can greatly reduce the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease and even bring about long-term remission. The goal of medical treatment is to reduce the inflammation that triggers signs and symptoms. Treatment for Crohn's disease usually involves drug therapy (anti-inflammatory drugs) or, in certain cases, surgery. You may also be recommended a special diet given via a feeding tube or nutrients injected into a vein to treat your Crohn's disease. This can improve your overall nutrition and allow the bowel to rest.  

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease