Following our look at IBS last week we were contacted by a customer asking if we were able to provide some information on Crohn's disease, so we though it might also be worth publishing this for everyone to view as well.

Approximately 1 in 1,500 people have Crohns disease, and the condition, as with many similar conditions affects slightly more women than men. It can appear at any age, but most often starts between the ages of approximately 15 and 40 years old.

The specific cause of Crohns disease is still unknown, though it is thought that the cause of Crohns disease may be a bacterium or virus (germ).

Some people believe that there may be a genetic link as there is some evidence that the condition runs in families, approximately 1 in 10 people with the condition having a close relative who also has it. Some scientists think that in people who are genetically prone to the condition, a germ may trigger the immune system to cause inflammation in parts of the gut. Crohns disease is more common in smokers and in women who use the combined oral contraceptive pill.

Crohns disease causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (gut). This consists of the oesophagus (gullet), stomach, and small and large intestine.

Crohns disease can affect any part of the gut. However, it most commonly occurs at the lower end of the small intestine, known as the ileum. Typical symptoms include, pain, ulcers and diarrhoea. The outlook for people with Crohns disease varies depending on which part of the gut is affected, and the severity and frequency of the symptoms.

The majority of people experience moderate symptoms from to time to time and daily medication can be taken to relieve the symptoms, but many people will require, surgery at some point. Rare complications, such as a perforated gut, can be life-threatening.