In Crohn’s disease, inflammation can severely damage large sections of your digestive system—usually in your small and large intestines. The cause seems to be an overactive immune response, triggered by a virus, bacteria, compounds in foods or in digestive fluids, or even by faulty messages from your own cells. While the trigger hasn’t yet been pinpointed, the results are well-known. The immune system sends out compounds that turn up inflammation, causing pain, swelling, and irritation. Chronic inflammation can cause diarrhea, narrowing or blockages, holes in intestinal walls and even ulcers that eat into surrounding organs.

• You can inherit a tendency to develop Crohn’s disease. More than 30 sections of the human genome have been found that increase risk.
• Ten to 20% of people with Crohn’s have a family member with the disease; another 7% have relatives with a related inflammatory condition, ulcerative colitis.
• One gene mutation, called NOD2, plays a role for 25% of Caucasians with Crohn’s disease. It’s uncommon in African-Americans and not present in Asians.
• Foods alone don’t cause Crohn’s, but your doctor may recommend a low-fiber, low-fat or bland diet to help prevent flare-ups.
• Many people with Crohn’s are lactose-intolerant; if dairy products trigger an inflammatory response your doctor may recommend skipping them.

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