Normally, the cells in the immune system defend the body from harmful viruses that have entered it. When there is an invader that needs to be eliminated, the body reacts. The immune …show more content…
“About 10% to 20% of people with Crohn’s disease have at least one other family member who also has the disease” (“Disease and Conditions: Crohn’s Disease”). Scientists have found a gene that can be associated with Crohn’s disease and the gene can help the body decide how to react to viruses. If there is a mutation in some way, the body’s reaction to viruses can be different from normal reaction. Overtime, Crohn’s disease may develop. Environmental factors can also help trigger Crohn’s disease. Some environmental factors include food that is eaten, bacteria or viruses, and …show more content…
The symptoms develop gradually but can sometimes come on suddenly without any warning. When this disease is active, the symptoms can include diarrhea, fever and fatigue, abdominal pain and cramping, blood in stool, mouth sores, reduced appetite and weight loss, perianal disease, etc. “Symptoms of Crohn’s disease result from an inappropriate activation of the immune system” (“Crohn’s Disease”). One of the most common problems for people with Crohn’s disease is diarrhea. If the intestinal cramping is intensified, it can cause loose stools. People with Crohn’s disease can experience low-grade fever which may be due to infection. Inflammation and ulceration can affect the normal movement of contents through a person’s digestive tract and can lead to pain and cramping. There are those with Crohn’s disease that notice bright red blood in the toilet bowel or darker blood mixed with their stool. There are those who get ulcers (similar to canker sores) in their mouths. With the abdominal pain and cramping, it can affect the person’s appetite and their ability to digest and absorb food. In addition, there can be pain near the anus due to inflammation from a tunnel into the skin. Those with severe Crohn’s disease can experience inflammation of several regions such as the skin, eyes, joi9nts and liver. There can also be a delayed growth or sexual development in