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Crohn's Disease

By , About.com Guide

Updated November 24, 2008

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Definition:

Crohn's disease is an incurable chronic disease of the intestinal tract. Crohn’s disease and its sister disorder, ulcerative colitis, are collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the intestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Some signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Weight loss
  • Fever
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Skin and eye irritations
  • Diarrhea

Stress and diet do not cause Crohn’s disease, but they can exacerbate symptoms. The symptoms of Crohn’s disease are typically treated with medications and surgery. There is no cure for Crohn's disease.

Pronunciation: (krohnz duh-zeez)
Also Known As: Also called "regional enteritis" and "ileitis."
Common Misspellings: Chron's Disease, Croan's Disease, Crone's Disease
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