Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by

• Crohn's Disease: This is the most common and widely recognized name for the condition.

 

• Regional enteritis: This name is used less frequently now, but it refers to the inflammation of the small intestine, which is a common feature of Crohn's disease.

 

• Granulomatous ileocolitis: This is an older term that describes the presence of granulomas, small clumps of inflammatory tissue, in the ileum (end of the small intestine) and colon (large intestine). It's not commonly used anymore as granulomas are not always present in Crohn's disease.

 

• Ileitis: This refers specifically to inflammation of the ileum, which can occur in Crohn's disease and other conditions.

 

What is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn's disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. It can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly occurs at the end of the small intestine (ileum) and the beginning of the large intestine (colon).

 

Trend in the United States

• Number of people in the US that have it: It is estimated that over 780,000 Americans have Crohn's disease.

 

• Five-year projection: Due to the rising incidence of Crohn's disease globally, the number of people with the condition is projected to increase over the next five years.

 

History of Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease was first described in 1932 by Dr. Burrill B. Crohn and his colleagues. It has become more common worldwide in the past few decades, with incidence rates doubling in several countries between 1955 and 1995. The condition is most commonly diagnosed in late adolescence and early adulthood, but it can also develop later in life, between the ages of 50 and 70. Crohn's disease is more common among people of Northern European and Anglo-Saxon descent and often runs in families.

 

The exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown, but a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and immune system dysfunction are believed to contribute to the development of Crohn's disease, not directly cause it.

 

Source of Information

• Mount Sinai

• National Library of Medicine

 

For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.