Crohn's Disease

About

Anyone, including children and adolescents, can develop Crohn's, but it mainly strikes people ages 15 to 35. It also tends to run in families. As many as one-fourth of people diagnosed with Crohn's disease have a parent or sibling with inflammatory bowel disease.

Although the exact cause of the disease isn't known, the best evidence suggests that it results from a combination of factors, including an abnormal immune system response, genetic predisposition and environmental influences, such as smoking.

There is currently no known cure for Crohn's disease, but a comprehensive approach to patient care can often lead to long-term remission — even if you have severe symptoms that haven't responded well to treatment in the past.

Read more about Crohn's disease at MayoClinic.com.