Crohn's Disease
What is Crohn's Disease?
Crohn's Disease is a disease which causes inflammation of the intestines - the colon (large intestine) and the small intestines. The exact cause of Crohn's disease is still unknown but current theories revolve around a combination of an autoimmune reaction of the body directed toward the intestinal tissue, perhaps triggered by one or more infectious or environmental factors.
Under the microscope, the inflammation of Crohn's Disease is quite distinct, and resembles the body's reaction to certain types of infection such as tuberculosis, although no such germs are thought to be associated. If the colon is the main area affected, which is quite common , the microscopic picture may be the only way to distinguish it from ulcerative colitis and other intestinal disorders as the symptoms are common.