Causes Of Crohn's Disease - Mysteries And Theories

The causes of Crohn's disease have been keeping researchers occupied for a number of years now. While it affects a number of people, the actual triggers for the disease are yet to be discovered.

Before embarking on the possible causes of Crohn's disease, it's helpful to see what is already known about the disease. Simply put, Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease. While there are many kinds of this disease, Crohn's disease has a number of unique symptoms. An attack can bring on frequent bowel movements and diarrhea, fatigue, cramping and in some cases fever. Crohn's disease occurs when a portion of the digestive tract becomes inflamed- this can be anywhere from the rectum to the beginning of the esophagus. This condition is also listed as chronic, meaning it will stay with a person for life.

 

Studies have shown that the disease is much more common in westernized, industrial communities, especially among Caucasian women. While it can set in at any time, most sufferers develop the disease from 15 years to 30 years of age. The severity of the attacks also varies- some people find the condition debilitating and are unable to lead normal lives. Apart from suffering from the stress of the disease, they may also have high levels of social anxiety. For others, the intensity of the attacks may be far lesser, allowing them to lead normal lives.

Most of what we know about the causes of Crohn's disease is speculative at best- till date, researchers have been unable to pinpoint exactly what triggers the disease. However studies have revealed a number of interesting patterns. The fact that it seems to be most prevalent in western cities means that Crohn's disease could be caused by a virus. It could also be triggered by allergens which are present in a modern living environment. It is clear that something triggers the symptoms of Crohn's disease but we still don't know what those triggers are.

 

It has also been discovered that people with Crohn's disease have a higher percentage of MAP bacteria in their ileocolonic mucosa. Other probable causes of Crohn's disease point to certain ethnic groups, especially ones that have intermarried closely over generations. East European Jews, for example are know to have a high percentage of bowel diseases.

 

Research into the causes of Crohn's disease has ruled out certain factors as well. For example, Crohn's disease is not strictly hereditary; this means that though it doesn't often get passed from parent to child, it could run in certain families. While scientists continue to work on finding out what causes this disease, patients need to look into ways to deal with the symptoms. Depending on the severity of the attacks, the Crohn's disease treatment will vary. Some people have found relief by making some changes to their dietary intake. In more severe cases, medication and even surgery might be required.

 

Crohn's disease may be a difficult burden for some and a mild irritation for others. Without identifying the core triggers for the disease, a cure cannot be found. In the meantime, patients must do their best to weather the symptoms as best as they can. Since research in this area is ongoing, it will only be a matter of time before the causes of Crohn's disease are found.