July 6, 2009

Font Size
A
A
A

Crohn Disease (cont.)

Crohn Disease Causes

The exact cause of Crohn disease remains unknown.

  • Current theories suggest that genetics, environment, diet, blood vessel abnormalities, and/or even psychosocial factors cause Crohn disease.

  • Probably the most popular theory is that Crohn disease is caused by the immune system overreacting to infection by a virus or bacterium.

  • Crohn disease apparently is not caused by emotional distress.

  • Crohn disease definitely runs in families. People who have Crohn disease may have an inherited predisposition to abnormal immunologic response to one or more provoking factors.


Next: Crohn Disease Symptoms »

Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

GI Disorders

Get the latest treatment options.

Are You Depressed? Take the Quiz

Good BacteriaGood Bacteria
It may surprise you to know that eating bacteria can actually be good for you. See more WebMD Videos »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Crohn Disease »

Crohn disease is an idiopathic, chronic, transmural inflammatory process of the bowel that often leads to fibrosis and obstructive symptoms, which can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from the mouth to the anus.

Read More on eMedicine »

Adult Skin Problems Slideshow

Search Medical Dictionary