An inflammatory bowel disease is characterized by intermittent and recurrent abdominal pain associated with ulceration in bowel function. Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic disorders that cause inflammation or ulceration in the small and large intestines. Most often, inflammatory bowel disease is classified as ulceration colitis or Crohns disease but may be referred to as colitis, enteritis, ileitis, or proctitis (Crohn's disease-website).Crohns disease is characterized by inflammation of segments of the GI tract. The parts of the tract where Crohns disease is most often seen are in the terminal ileum, jejunum, and right side of colon. Involvement of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum is rare. Crohns disease is an inflammation that extends into all deep layers of the intestinal wall. Areas of involvement are usually discontinuous, with segments of normal bowel occurring between diseased portions. Thickening of the bowel wall occurs, as well as narrowing of the lumen. Narrowing of the lumen is caused by scar tissue from inflammation and this may cause strictures and obstruction. Fistulas are a cardinal feature and may develop between segments of bowel. Typically ulcerations are deep and longitudinal and penetrate between pieces of inflamed edematous mucosa, causing the cobblestone appearance. Persons with Crohns disease are hospitalized frequently and often become depressed because of the painful character of the disease (Lewis et al, 1996, p.1231-1232).CauseCrohns disease is of unknown etiology. Although Crohns disease has no known cause, there are many theories about what might cause this disease. One theory is that some agent; perhaps a virus or bacterium affects the bodys immune system to trigger an inflammatory reaction in the intestinal wall. Although there is a lot of evidence that patients with this disease have abnormalities of the immune system, doctors do not know whether the immune system problems are a caus...
