1. Intestinal Problems

2. Crohn’s Disease Chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines
Chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines
Primarily causes ulcerations of the small and large intestines (may cause ulcerations anywhere along digestive tract)

3. Healthy

4. Crohn’s Disease

5. Cause is unknown
Has a genetic link
Affects males and females
Goes into periods of remission and activation
There is no cure

6. The immune system is abnormally and chronically activated when no invader is present
This activation results in chronic inflammation and ulceration

7. In the early stages of Crohn’s Disease, small, shallow, scattered crater-like areas form on the bowels
Over time, these areas turn into ulcers and eventually scar over affecting the area
This can lead to a narrowing of the intestine

8. Normal Intestine

9. Terminal Ileum Affected by Crohn’s ©http://library. med. utah

10. Small Intestine ©http://library.med.utah.edu/WebPath/GIHTML/GI060.html

11. Signs and Symptoms
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Weight loss

12. Treatment
Lifestyle changes
Medication/steroids
Surgery