Affecting men and women alike, Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the digestive tract, in particular the lower part of the small intestine (the ileum).

Crohn's disease can be difficult to diagnose, as it shares symptoms with other intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis.

Common symptoms of Crohn's disease include:

Abdominal pain (often in the lower right quadrant)
Diarrhea
Rectal bleeding
Weight loss
Arthritis
Skin problems
Fever

If bleeding is serious and persistent it can lead to anemia.

There seems to be a genetic element to this disorder, with up to 20 percent of sufferers having a blood relative with some form of inflammatory bowel disease - usually a brother, sister, parent or child. It can occur at any age, but is most common in those between 20 and 30.

The causes of this disorder remain unknown - the most popular theory is that the body's immune system reacts abnormally, treating bacteria and food as foreign substances, which it then attacks. When this occurs, white blood cells can accumulate in the intestines, producing inflammation, ulcerations and bowel injury.

If you are concerned that you may have this disorder, you should consult your doctor immediately.