What causes Crohn's disease?

Theories about what causes Crohn's disease abound, but none has been proven. The most popular theory is that the body's immune system reacts to a virus or a bacterium by causing ongoing inflammation in the intestine.

People with Crohn's disease tend to have abnormalities of the immune system, but doctors do not know whether these abnormalities are a cause or result of the disease. Crohn's disease is not caused by emotional distress.

For more information on the role of stress and diet for people with Crohn's disease, visit the Health and Wellness page of our website.  It includes information and tips, which may help bring you to a place where your health is more under your control.