Introduction to Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic IBD involving the gastrointestinal tract that can manifest in a variety of ways and is characterized by episodes of acute flares of symptoms and periods of remission. CD may be diagnosed at any age but is commonly diagnosed in young adults. It is more common in industrialized nations in northern climates, with the highest prevalence found in northern Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America. The prevalence of CD in the United States ranges from 26 to 199 cases per 100,000 persons. It affects all ethnic groups but is more common in White populations and carries a slightly greater risk in the Jewish population, especially in persons with Jewish European descent. The incidence of CD in African Americans and Latinos also has been rising in recent years. The cause of the disease is not entirely understood, but it is likely the result of an individual’s genetic makeup and environmental exposures.