Crohn's disease
Type of inflammatory bowel disease / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that may affect any segment of the gastrointestinal tract.[3] Symptoms often include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, abdominal distension, and weight loss.[1][3] Complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract may include anemia, skin rashes, arthritis, inflammation of the eye, and fatigue.[1] The skin rashes may be due to infections as well as pyoderma gangrenosum or erythema nodosum.[1] Bowel obstruction may occur as a complication of chronic inflammation, and those with the disease are at greater risk of colon cancer and small bowel cancer.[1]
Although the precise causes of Crohn's disease (CD) are unknown, it is believed to be caused by a combination of environmental, immune, and bacterial factors in genetically susceptible individuals.[3][13][14][15] It results in a chronic inflammatory disorder, in which the body's immune system defends the gastrointestinal tract, possibly targeting microbial antigens.[14][16] While Crohn's is an immune-related disease, it does not seem to be an autoimmune disease (the immune system is not triggered by the body itself).[17] The exact underlying immune problem is not clear; however, it may be an immunodeficiency state.[16][18][19]
About half of the overall risk is related to genetics, with more than 70 genes involved.[1][20] Tobacco smokers are three times as likely to develop Crohn's disease as non-smokers.[6] It often begins after gastroenteritis.[1] Other conditions with similar symptoms include irritable bowel syndrome and Behçet's disease.[1]
There is no known cure for Crohn's disease.[1][3] Treatment options are intended to help with symptoms, maintain remission, and prevent relapse.[1] In those newly diagnosed, a corticosteroid may be used for a brief period of time to improve symptoms rapidly, alongside another medication such as either methotrexate or a thiopurine used to prevent recurrence.[1] Cessation of smoking is recommended for people with Crohn's disease.[1] One in five people with the disease is admitted to the hospital each year, and half of those with the disease will require surgery at some time during a ten-year period.[1] While surgery should be used as little as possible, it is necessary to address some abscesses, certain bowel obstructions, and cancers.[1] Checking for bowel cancer via colonoscopy is recommended every few years, starting eight years after the disease has begun.[1]
Crohn's disease affects about 3.2 per 1,000 people in Europe and North America;[12] it is less common in Asia and Africa.[21][22] It has historically been more common in the developed world.[23] Rates have, however, been increasing, particularly in the developing world, since the 1970s.[22][23] Inflammatory bowel disease resulted in 47,400 deaths in 2015,[24] and those with Crohn's disease have a slightly reduced life expectancy.[1] It tends to start in adolescence and young adulthood, though it can occur at any age.[25][1][3][26] Males and females are equally affected.[3]