Understanding Crohn's Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Management

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of Crohn's disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of factors:

• Genetics: A family history of Crohn's disease increases the risk.
• Immune System Dysfunction: The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the GI tract, causing inflammation.
• Environmental Factors: Smoking, diet, and certain medications may trigger or worsen symptoms.

Risk factors include age (typically diagnosed in young adults), ethnicity (more common in Caucasians and Ashkenazi Jews), and lifestyle habits like smoking.