The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown but it was a long-held belief to be diet and stress. Crohn's has also been thought of as an autoimmune disease, but some research suggests that the chronic inflammation may not be due to the immune system attacking the body itself, but rather a result of the immune system attacking a harmless virus, bacteria, or food in the gut.
Some researchers argue that improved hygiene throughout the developed world may be responsible for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
The more we sanitize our surroundings the more we kill off the common parasites our bodies need to function harmoniously. These parasites are still prevalent in developing countries which have very few recorded incidences of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Crohn's Risk Factors
A few things can make you more likely to get Crohn’s disease:
Genetics:
Crohn's disease is often inherited. About 20% of people with Crohn's disease may have a close relative with either Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. In addition, Ashkenazi Jews are at greater risk for the disease
Age:
While Crohn's disease can affect people of all ages, it’s primarily an illness of the young. Most people are diagnosed before age 30, but the disease can happen in people in their 60s, 70s, or even later in life
Smoking:
This is the one risk factor that’s easy to control. Smoking can make Crohn’s more severe and raise the odds that you’ll need surgery
Medications:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and similar medications don’t cause Crohn’s disease, but they can lead to inflammation and in some instances, bleeding of the bowels that makes it worse.
The world around you:
People who live in urban areas or industrialized countries are more likely to get Crohn’s
Diet:
If you eat a lot of high-fat or processed foods, your odds of Crohn’s could go up.
Infections:
Bacteria linked to Crohn’s include Mycobacterium aviumparatuberculosism, which causes a similar condition in cattle, and a type of E. coli.
