What Is Crohn's Disease?
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation or swelling of the digestive tract,
also known as the gastrointestinal tract. An estimated 500,000 people in the United States have Crohn's disease.
Symptoms and potential complications of Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease symptoms may range from mild to severe and can vary widely from person to person. Most people experience periods
when they have flare ups, followed by episodes of remission when the symptoms decrease or even disappear. Commonly reported symptoms
include the following:
- Persistent diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Fever
- Fatigue
Rectal bleeding and loss of appetite may also occur. In addition to the effects on the gastrointestinal tract, Crohn's disease
can also affect other areas of the body such as the joints, eyes, and skin.
Along with painful symptoms, Crohn's disease can lead to complications, including an obstruction of the intestine due to
swelling and the formation of scar tissue.
HUMIRA May Help Relieve Many Crohn's Disease Symptoms
HUMIRA is used to reduce the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe Crohn’s disease in adults who have not responded well to conventional treatments. HUMIRA is also for these adults with moderate to severe Crohn's disease who have lost response to or are unable to tolerate infliximab.
Serious infections have happened in patients taking HUMIRA. These infections include tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that have spread throughout the body. Some patients have died from these infections.
HUMIRA may increase the chance of getting lymphoma or other cancers.
HUMIRA can cause serious side effects including allergic reactions, hepatitis B virus reactivation, nervous system problems, blood problems, heart failure, certain immune reactions (including a lupus-like syndrome), and new or worsening psoriasis.
Please click here for additional Important Safety Information you should know about HUMIRA and discuss it with your doctor.
Crohn's Disease Risk Factors
Though it can occur at any age, most people are diagnosed with Crohn's disease between the ages of 15 and 35.
Men and women are at equal risk of Crohn's disease, while people of European heritage are more likely to develop the disease.
If you have a relative with Crohn's disease, your risk of developing the condition may be greater. Roughly 20% of
people with Crohn's disease have a sibling, parent or child with some form of IBD.
Causes of Crohn's Disease
While the exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown, researchers believe that inherited genes, environmental factors, and the immune
system all play a role.
Once closely linked to diet and anxiety, there is no clear evidence that either of these is a direct cause of Crohn's disease.
However, stress and an unhealthy diet are associated with poor nutrition and may worsen symptoms.
Click here for Uses and Important Safety Information you should know about HUMIRA and discuss it with your doctor.