Crohn’s Disease Facts and Statistics

Crohn’s disease is a chronic illness whose onset may occur rapidly or over a period of time. This type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) may affect any portion of the digestive tract; however it normally involves the end of the small intestine and beginning of the large intestine. Symptoms can be mild to severe and individuals who have this disease can also experience times when there are no symptoms and are considered in remission. Common, recurrent symptoms that should be reported to a doctor for further investigation include abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, and diarrhea.

Complications can occur from Crohn’s disease and they can sometimes be life-threatening. Common complications include ulcers and malnutrition due to the difficulty of eating when experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, and bowel obstruction. Approximately 65 to 75% of those who suffer from Crohn’s disease will need to have a surgical procedure done when medication and diet are not successful in controlling the symptoms or when the disease itself has caused damage to the intestinal tract and it needs to be repaired.

20 to 25% of individuals with Crohn’s have a relative with an IBD disease as well. Those with Crohn’s disease are likely experiencing an abnormal immune response to ordinary bacteria that live in the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease patients are normally diagnosed in early adulthood. Cigarette smoking is a controllable risk factor for Crohn’s disease.

Crohn’s disease results from genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors, as well as certain medications, such as Accutane.  Accutane, also known as Isotretinoin, is a medication that is used to treat acne.  Accutane has many reported side effects.   It has been linked to bowel problems, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.  In June 2009, the manufacturer of Accutane announced that it notified the FDA of its intent to discontinue the manufacture and distribution of Accutane in the United States.

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