Risk Factors for Crohn's disease

List of Risk Factors for Crohn's disease

The list of risk factors mentioned for Crohn's disease in various sources includes:

• Smoking
• Food allergies
• Family history of Crohn's disease

Risk factors discussion:

Research shows that current and former smokers have a higher risk of developing Crohn's disease than nonsmokers do. Among people with the disease, smoking is associated with a higher rate of relapse, repeat surgery, and immunosuppressive treatment. In all areas, the risk for women, whether current or former smokers, is slightly higher than for men. Why smoking increases the risk of Crohn's disease is unknown, but some theories suggest that smoking might lower the intestine's defenses, decrease blood flow to the intestines, or cause immune system changes that result in inflammation. (Source: excerpt from Smoking and Your Digestive System: NIDDK)

Risks factors for Crohn's disease: medical news summaries:

The following medical news items are relevant to risk factors for Crohn's disease:

• Crohn's disease still present in quarter of patients 20 years after diagnosis
• More news »

About risk factors:

Risk factors for Crohn's disease are factors that do not seem to be a direct cause of the disease, but seem to be associated in some way. Having a risk factor for Crohn's disease makes the chances of getting a condition higher but does not always lead to Crohn's disease. Also, the absence of any risk factors or having a protective factor does not necessarily guard you against getting Crohn's disease. For general information and a list of risk factors, see the risk center.

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