Digestive System Disorders. What Causes Crohn's Disease

It is a known fact among those who have been diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, their loved ones and doctors there is no known cause for the disease. However, there are several theories as to how the disease is triggered even though none of them have been proven adequately.

One of the most popular theories as to the cause of Crohn's Disease is the reaction of the body's immune system to a virus within the digestive system or a systemic reaction to bacterium within it. There is some evidence that it is the body protecting itself from a perceived threat to the digestive system by inflaming the intestines. People who suffer from Inflammatory Bowel Disease such as Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, have a high instance of abnormalities in their immune systems. However, there is no confirmation from doctors as to whether the abnormality is the cause of the diseases or the result of them.

There are also a number of predisposing factors that figure in the role in the development of Crohn's disease; and they are infection, family history and genetics, diet, immunological factors, measles and MMR vaccine, and psychological factors.

Even though some people have developed Crohn's disease after a bout of gastroenteritis, infection itself is not regarded as a major concern as for the cause of it.

Studies have shown that genetics do play a role in the cause of Crohn's Disease. According to statistics, if one member of the family sufferers from it, there is an increased chance for family members to develop the disease as well. First degree relatives, such as a sibling, child or parent of a patient with Inflammatory Bowel Disease will have an even higher risk of developing the diseases. Crohn's Disease is further increased with identical twins.

Diet is often an inexpensive way in which patents address their symptoms and therefore it is a popular area for experimentation. Diet related treatments vary in results; however, there is a consensus among people with the disease that certain foods should be avoided. Even though diet itself does not cause Crohn's disease, diet in some people can trigger some symptoms or make symptoms worse when the disease is active.

Vaccines, especially measles and MMR vaccines, have been getting a lot of publicity lately in regards to a link with them and various diseases and disabilities including Crohn's disease. However there is not enough evidence that clearly states weather or not children should be vaccinated for measles.

Psychological factors are not the cause of an Inflammatory Bowel Disease such as Crohn's disease and that there is no hard proof to support the link between those factors and the disease itself. However, the stress of living with such a disease can make the symptoms worse.

Digestive System Disorders

Resources and information on ulcerative colitis, crohn's disease, IBS, diverticulitus, and other common digestive ailments

What Causes Crohn's Disease