Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the intestinal tract, and three forms predominate: terminal ileal disease, colitis, and peri-anal Crohn’s. Peri-anal disease is the most infrequent (about 25%).

Crohn’s is frequently associated with a positive family history (in up to 15% of patients), and the genetic component is probably greater than for ulcerative colitis.

Smoking increases the risk of relapse, and 5-ASA compounds only have a modest impact on acute or chronic disease.