Crohn's Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevalence | CCFA

Crohn's disease is a gastrointestinal disorder that has symptoms such as pain, cramps, diarrhea and fecal incontinence. Systemically, it can cause weight loss and blood disorders, like anemia.

Crohn's

• According to Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), it is estimated up to a half-million people suffer from Crohn's disease. Males and females seem to be equally affected.

Age

• Crohn's disease primarily affects people between the ages of 15 and 35, but can affect young children and older adults as well. CCFA estimates that 100,000 people with Crohn's are younger than 18.

Genetics

• The CCFA also says that the disease tends to be familial. The risk for developing the disease is 10 times greater for a person with a relative with the disease. That risk jumps to 30 if the relative is a sibling.

Race and Ethnicity

• CCFA states that American Jews of European descent are four to five times more likely to develop Crohn's. The prevalence rate among whites is 149 out of 100,000. Rates are lower among Hispanics and Asians.

Environment

• Crohn's disease is also more prevalent in developed countries, such as the United States and those in Europe. The disease is also found more often in urban areas.