Crohn's: market research reports

Crohn’s disease, also known as regional enteritis, is a chronic nonspecific inflammatory disorder of the bowel. The disorder may become exacerbated by stress. Many theories have been suggested about the possible causes of Crohn’s disease and some recent studies are exploring the immunologic mechanisms as possible etiologic factors. Crohn’s disease has a prevalence of about 1.5 million in the United States and up to 4 million worldwide.

There is no known medical or surgical cure for Crohn's disease; treatments attempt to control symptoms, maintain remission, and prevent relapse.

Crohn’s disease can affect both the small and large intestines, and the areas of inflamed tissue are often separated by normal tissue. The lesions of Crohn’s disease are granulomatous ulcers that may involve deeper structures. The ulcers may perforate and form fistulas. Scar tissue may lead to intestinal obstruction. The loss of absorptive capability in Crohn’s disease leads to anorexia, weight loss, malaise, fluid loss, hypokalemia from loss of potassium-rich intestinal secretions, and hypoproteinemia from loss of protein through the damaged intestinal epithelium.