Crohn's disease is an often debilitating disease that can, without adequate management, very quickly gain control of your life. If you have a new diagnosis of Crohn's disease or if you have been battling it for some time, it is most important that you have a solid understanding of what is Crohn's disease so that you have the best shot at a healthy you.

In the case of Crohn's disease, the gastrointestinal or GI tract becomes horribly inflamed resulting in the symptoms of Crohn's disease. For this reason, Crohn's is known as an inflammatory bowel condition. It may also be referred to as ileitis or enteritis. Most commonly Crohn's disease attacks the lower section of the small intestine known as the Ilium. However, it is important to remember that Crohn's disease can attack any section of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus.

The inflammation and edema associated with Crohn's disease extends quite deep into the lining of the G.I. tract. It is this inflammation and swelling which leads to the pain associated with Crohn's disease. This same swelling also causes the body to force the intestinal tract to empty its contents frequently which results in diarrhea. It is the pain and diarrhea that are both known to impact the sufferers' quality of life.

Crohn's disease is known to be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other intestinal conditions such as ulcerative colitis and IBS or irritable bowel syndrome. With all sorts of colitis this disease causes inflammation and ulcerations in just the top layer of the lining of the large intestine, which differs from Crohn's disease as it has the potential to affect all layers of the intestinal tract. Also with Crohn's disease there may be sections of normal healthy bowel which can be found between areas of the diseased bowel.

Currently it seems that Crohn's disease is not partial to the sexes, it interrupts the lives of both men and women equally. However, research does seem to indicate that Crohn's disease does seem to run in families. Many patients who suffer with Crohn's disease also have a blood relative who is fighting the same. If not with Crohn's disease itself, with another inflammatory bowel condition.

Crohn's disease is most often diagnosed in patients between the ages of 20 and 30. African-Americans appear currently to be at decreased risk for the development of Crohn's disease while those of Jewish descent seem to have an increased risk of developing Crohn's disease.

Crohn's disease absolutely is not something to be ignored and not something that you can choose to manage on occasion. You must work very closely with your primary health care provider as well as your gastroenterologist in order to develop a comprehensive treatment plan best designed for your situation.

It's no surprise that Crohn's disease can certainly begin to control your life. With the pain and explosive diarrhea which often accompany this condition, Crohn's disease can definitely begin to dictate your daily activities. You simply must make a decision to manage it as best as possible to yourself. Working closely with your physician can allow you to retain control of your bowel condition and your activities of daily living. After all, who wants to go out on the town and worry every minute if you are going to need to run off to the bathroom!

Crohn's disease is certainly a challenging condition for many people to manage. While symptoms can range from mild to severe, the ongoing battle to control the abdominal pain and diarrhea associated with this inflammatory bowel disease can put a crimp in anybody's style. You simply must work with your gastroenterologist or primary care physician in order to design it best and most livable treatment plan for you.

What is Crohn's disease? It is a series of chronic symptoms most commonly seen as abdominal pain and diarrhea which are caused by the edema and inflammation of the GI tract which has settled into one or more of the layers of the intestinal tract.