by Elizabeth Olivier

Created on: January 24, 2012   Last Updated: January 30, 2012

One of the illnesses mentioned more and more today is Crohn’s Disease.  Believed to be an autoimmune disease and classified as a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the rate of diagnosis is on the rise.  In the United States, about 7 in every 100,000 people have Crohn’s disease.  If you are at all concerned, it may be time to look at your risk factors for this painful ailment.

You are between the ages of 15 and 30

While Crohn’s Disease can occur at any age and there is a secondary peak in diagnoses between the age of 60 and 80, the majority of diagnoses occur in adolescents and young adults by the age of 30.  According to the Medscape Reference, 20-30% of all patients with Crohn’s disease are diagnosed before the age of 20.

You are white and of European Jewish decent

Crohn’s Disease has often been characterized as a white disease.  An estimated 149 in every 100,000 white people in the United States have Crohn’s Disease.  It is much more common among those of eastern European ancestry and is 4 to 5 times more common in those of European Jewish decent.  The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) reports that one study found the rate of pediatric diagnosis among whites to be 2 to 3 times higher than that of African Americans.  While there are exceptions to the higher rate for whites in underdeveloped areas, the disease is all but unheard of in non-white populations.

You have family members with Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s Disease is not explained completely by hereditary traits, but is believed to be in some way triggered in those who have a genetic predisposition.  The Medscape Reference names five genes that have been associated with Crohn’s Disease thus far.  Having a family member with Crohn’s Disease significantly increases the risk for also having these gene mutations.  If that relative is a sibling, the risk of developing Crohn’s Disease is about 30 times higher than the general population.

You smoke

People who smoke are at twice the risk for developing Crohn’s Disease.  It is believed that the use of tobacco products may be one of many triggers that cause the immune system in Crohn’s patients to begin malfunctioning.

You live in an urban area

Crohn’s Disease is more prevalent in developed countries.  Particularly, it is more common in urban areas compared to rural areas and in northern regions compared to southern ones.  This trend is found both in the United States and in Europe, although the CCFA points out that the reasons are still not understood.

The genetic factors of Crohn’s Disease are not preventable.  Environmental factors, although much more in your control, are still mostly unknown.  As always, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is your best defense against any disease.  If you believe you may be at high risk for developing Crohn’s Disease and would like to consult a physician in your area, the CCFA maintains a list of its members on its website.

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