What is Crohn's disease?

• Regional enteritis (Inflammation confined to the small intestine. The first part is called the jejunum and the second part is called the ileum)

• Terminal ileitis (inflammation that affects the end of the small intestine (terminal ileum), the part of the small intestine closest to the colon.

• Crohn’s colitis (inflammation confined to the colon area)

• Crohn's entero–colitis and ileo–colitis (inflammation in both the small intestine and the colon)

Crohn’s disease was first described in 1932 by an American gastroenterologist called Burrill Bernard Crohn. Together, Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis are frequently referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Unfortunately there are no medical cures for Crohn’s disease or IBD at present, but that should not dishearten any sufferer. Advanced medicine, maintaining a healthy diet and leading a healthy lifestyle can help to ease suffering and possibly send the disease into periods of remission.

Both men and women are equally affected by Crohn’s disease. It commonly begins during adolescence or early adulthood, but is also found in childhood and older patients. Crohn’s disease is more common in, but not limited to, relatives with the disease.

In the United States it is thought that up to two million (500,000) people are currently affected, with the numbers growing daily.

Crohn’s disease is not contagious.