Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive system. The cause is unknown, and there is no medical cure. The disorder primarily is responsible for ulcerations in the small and large intestines, but can affect the digestive system from the mouth to the anus. Crohn’s disease is closely related to ulcerative colitis, another chronic condition, and both are frequently called IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). It is estimated that there are between 500,000 to 2 million people suffering from the disorders in the United States. Unlike many diseases that affect one sex more than the other, IBD affects the genders equally. IBD generally begins in adolescence or early adulthood, but it can begin earlier or later in life. Individuals who have a close blood relative with Crohn’s disease are more likely to have the disease.

Those affected with Crohn’s disease suffer from abdominal pain and diarrhea. They may also have rectal bleeding, weight loss, fever, and skin problems. Children with Crohn’s disease may suffer from slow growth and development.