About Chrones Disease - Some Facts

I have had a few queries from people asking what is Chrones Disease? (which is correctly spelt Crohn's disease)

Basically Chrones disease is a chronic and debilitating inflammatory disease of the
gastrointestinal tract that is incurable. Chrones disease usually occurs in people between the ages of 18-25, but can begin much later in life as well.

Because Chrones disease is chronic, patients often go through unpredictable periods in which the disease flares up and the symptoms of the disease re-appear. Then these periods are followed by periods of remission where the symptoms disappear or decrease and the person with chrones appears to be in good health.

Throughout the world, the west has the highest percentage of chrones disease sufferers, with Canada having one of the highest rates in the world.

The cause of Chrones disease is not really known but it is believed to be an autoimmune disease that has links to genetics. The condition occurs when the immune system contributes to damage of the gastrointestinal tract by causing inflammation.

As mentioned earlier, there is currently no known medical or surgical cure for Chrones disease, unlike the other major type of IBD called ulcerative colitis.

Many people live with Chrones disease for many years and dont know that they have it until the usual onset of chrones disease between the ages of 15 and 30. There are no difference in numbers or chances of getting the disease between men and women.

Chrones disease can cause a variety of symptoms that include Growth failure which is common in children who have Chrones disease. Infact many children are first diagnosed with Chrones disease based on inability to maintain normal growth.

Older people who have Chrones disease may show weight loss coupled with decreased food intake, since individuals with intestinal symptoms from Chrons disease often feel better when they do not eat and might lose their appetite. This is often one of the fist signs that a person has Chrones Disease.