Crohn's disease is a chronic disorder of the intestines. Of unknown etiology, the gastrointestinal tract in persons suffering from this disease becomes inflamed and weak, making digestion difficult and leading to general physical debility. It is a relatively rare disease, occurring in approximately 1 to 5 people out of every 10,000.
Ulcers form on the inner intestinal lining and 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. Symptoms and Diagnosis Crohn's disease is typically diagnosed among people in their 20s and 30s, but the disease can also occur in infants and children. More common in women than in men, it is rare in people of Asian or African descent who live outside the United States. The disease is a lifelong ailment that can be controlled, but at present there is no cure or even a definitive cause. Crohn's patients usually experience excruciatingly painful attacks of abdominal pain and diarrhea followed by weeks, months, or years of remission.