SNP Shot: Genomic Insights

Crohn's disease is a chronic, complicated condition primarily affecting the digestive tract. It stems from an irregular immune reaction that results in excessive inflammation. While it frequently impacts the walls of the small intestine (ileum) and the large intestine (colon), inflammation can arise anywhere from the mouth to the anus. This inflammation leads to thickened and swollen tissues, and the development of ulcers, or open sores, on the inner lining of the digestive system.

Crohn's disease typically manifests in individuals in their late teens or twenties, but it can occur at any age. The condition is characterized by recurring flare-ups of symptoms. Common symptoms include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, reduced appetite, unintended weight loss, and fever. Some individuals may experience blood in their stool due to intestinal inflammation, and prolonged bleeding can cause anemia, or a deficiency in red blood cells. In some instances, Crohn's disease can trigger inflammation in the joints, eyes, or skin.

A frequent complication of Crohn's disease is intestinal blockage, caused by swelling or scar tissue accumulation in the intestinal walls. Fistulae, abnormal connections between the intestine and other tissues, can also develop. These occur when ulcers penetrate the intestinal wall, forming passages between different sections of the intestine or between the intestine and adjacent organs or tissues, like the bladder, vagina, or skin.

Crohn's disease is a common type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis, another form of IBD, also results in chronic inflammation of the intestinal lining. However, ulcerative colitis typically only inflames the colon, unlike Crohn's disease, which can affect any part of the digestive system.

Inheritance:

The way Crohn's disease is inherited is not fully understood, likely due to the involvement of numerous genetic and environmental influences. However, the disease exhibits a tendency to run in families; approximately 15% of individuals with Crohn's disease have an immediate family member (such as a parent or sibling) who also has the condition.