Final answer:
Crohn's disease, part of inflammatory bowel diseases, involves chronic GI tract inflammation, with symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. Diagnosis usually involves a colonoscopy, and treatment varies from medication to lifestyle changes and surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Crohn's Disease Overview
Crohn's disease is commonly associated with chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, a hallmark of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can affect any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus, although the ileum is most often involved. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, weight loss, and malnutrition due to impaired nutrient absorption. Diagnosis of Crohn's disease often involves a colonoscopy, which allows direct examination of the colon and ileum.
Genetic predispositions and environmental factors like smoking and diet high in animal proteins contribute to the disease. Close relatives of individuals with Crohn's disease have a higher risk of developing it. Treatments focus on symptom relief and include anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes surgery. Despite the chronic nature of Crohn's, with proper management, individuals can lead full and productive lives.