Ccsg.org.nz
Title
CCSG Web Site
Description
Crohn's disease is a condition in which there is swelling, thickening and inflammation of one or more parts of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Any part can be affected, but it is more common in the last part of the small bowel and colon. The normal function of the bowel is to absorb the food and liquid we consume and move the waste to the rectum - this becomes the bowel motion. If parts of the bowel become inflamed due to Crohn's disease, normal absorption does not take place.
The cause is unknown. Heredity or environmental factors may play a part in the development - one in four people with Crohn's disease have a relative with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Various theories have been suggested. These include possible infection with agents such as bacteria, viruses, chlamydiae and, most recently, mycobacteria. Dietary factors (including chemicals and the low fibre diet consumed in modern developed countries) have also been implicated. None of these theories have been proved.
Recent research into the heredity of Crohn's disease has identified a human gene, called NOD2, and damage to this gene is believed to be associated with the disease in about 15% of those affected. While this discovery does not hold out the immediate prospect for a cure, it does mean that more certain diagnosis may become possible. It seems that this gene plays an important role in the interaction of the body's immune system with gut bacteria.
