Unfortunately, there is still a lot that is not yet known or fully understood about the condition we know as Crohn’s disease. There are currently several ongoing theories and various clinical studies being conducted in hopes of learning exactly what causes Crohn’s disease, but as of now, the general consensus is that a genetic predisposition, as well as exposure to certain environmental factors along with abnormal responses within the body’s immune system are the main culprits to blame.
Crohn’s disease, also referred to as CD, is a part of a collective group of digestive-related illnesses known as IBD or inflammatory bowel disease. With this condition, the intestines become inflamed, causing mild to severe symptoms, alternating with periods of flare-ups and remission. If left untreated, the intestines are also unable to absorb nutrients due to the inflammation, which will inevitably lead to other serious complications like malnutrition.
Possible Causes and Risk Factors of Crohn’s Disease
Named for Dr. Burril Crohn, who along with two fellow doctors extensively researched and documented their findings about bowel and intestinal illnesses in 1932, Crohn’s disease and other similar inflammatory bowel diseases are often confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is actually quite different.
Many doctors and scientists believe that Crohn’s disease is largely caused by an abnormal reaction to a certain bacteria that’s normally present within the human intestinal tract. In most people, this necessary and rather beneficial bacteria usually works by helping with the process of digestion, but in those with CD, the immune system reacts differently to the bacteria, causing the inflammation to occur.
Other causes that may increase the chances of someone being affected by Crohn’s disease include the following:
- Environmental Factors: Environmental factors, including smog, cigarette smoke and second-hand smoke, may contribute toward causing Crohn’s disease as they are believed to alter the efficacy of the immune system. Following a diet that’s high in carbohydrates, sugars, and saturated fats and one low in proteins and the vitamins and minerals we gain from fruits and vegetables may also increase the likelihood of acquiring CD.
- Ethnic Heritage: Although researchers aren’t yet sure why, or what causes Crohn’s disease to occur more in certain ethnicities, they do know that certain races have a higher rate of developing Crohn’s disease in comparison to others. The groups most affected are Caucasians, and also Jewish people specifically of Ashkenazi descent who are three to six times more likely to have the condition.
- Family History: Apparently, having a close relative with Crohn’s disease, or any other inflammatory bowel disease, increases one’s risk of also developing the condition. Approximately 10 to 20 percent of all those diagnosed with CD have an immediate family member who also has some sort of IBD.
- Genetics: Due to the relatively high instances of Crohn’s disease running in some families, scientists naturally wondered if there was a certain gene responsible for carrying the disease, and recently discovered a defect that they feel is directly related to CD. Although it is believed there are still at least three to five other specific genes that may also contribute to developing Crohn’s disease, it is still unknown what their direct correlation is to the condition.
While certain risk factors do not necessarily cause Crohn’s disease to occur, there are those that do in fact aggravate existing symptoms of the condition and should be avoided if possible, or adequately treated. These include infections, certain hormonal changes, medication, and stress.
Although what causes Crohn’s disease is still largely a mystery as some people have none of the known risk factors at all, researchers continue to make strides in developing treatments and methods of early diagnosis.
* There are many more resources and lots of information about controlling and treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Crohn’s Disease symptoms here:
Breakthrough Crohn’s Disease Guide
Similar Articles:
- What is Ulcerative Colitis?
- Links Between Crohn’s Disease and Kidney Stones
- Links Between Crohn’s Disease and Cancer
- Curing Crohn’s disease
- What is a Good Diet for Ulcerative Colitis
