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What Is Crohn's Disease

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Running Head: An Examination of Crohn's Disease A Comprehensive Examination of Crohn's Disease Madi Elliott April 2016 An Examination of Crohn's Disease Crohn's Disease is a rare, chronic disorder that is classified as a form of IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). Although it's cause isn't completely clear, recent research has shown that it may be influenced by variations in certain genes, as well as chromosomes number 5 and number 10. There are many other influences, however, on the cause of Crohn's Disease. This disease often results in a wide range of symptoms. The diagnosis of Crohn's is determined through various tests. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Crohn's, only different forms of treatment. Research and tests are still …show more content…

The immune system responds by sending out cells throughout the blood stream to fight the bacteria. This causes inflammation, which is a normal reaction to this response. However, in a person with Crohn's, the inflammation is severe and very persistent. This inflammation stretches deeply into the bowels, thus causing major problems and deeply scarring all layers of the lining. It is the relentless inflammation that triggers the symptoms of Crohn's. The inflammation is most common in the ileum, or the lowermost portion of the small intestine (hence the original name Regional Ileitis). Although …show more content…

inflammation is most common in the ileitis, it can develop anywhere in the entire digestive tract, spanning from mouth to anus. Figure 3 shows what the GI tract looks like with Crohn's disease compared to a healthy GI tract. The inside of the GI tract of a person with Crohn's Disease has a very cobblestone-like appearance and a fatty-type wrapping. It also shows fissures and muscular hypertrophy which sometimes occur as a part of or as a result of Crohn's Disease. Figure 4 illustrates the narrowing of the GI tract due to inflammation and swelling as well as an abscess. An abscess is an area containing a significant amount of pus. Abscesses are one of the complications that is possible for those with Crohn's

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