When someone first finds out they have Crohn's disease, they will likely feel overwhelmed. There are so many questions. Will I be able to work, travel and exercise? Should I follow a special diet? Could my medications have side effects? How will Crohn's disease change my life? The better informed they can become, the more equipped they will be to be an active member of your health care (Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, 2009). Crohn's disease is a chronic disorder of the digestive system. I can affect any area of ​​the gastrointestinal system from the mouth to the anus. Its inflammatory process can spread to include the skin, eyes, joints, mouth, and sometimes the liver (Chang, 2008). Males and females appear to be affected proportionately. Crohn's disease can occur in people of any age, but it is primarily a disease that affects adolescents and young adults. However, Crohn's disease can occur in people over age 70 and in young children (Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, 2009). “Crohn's disease appears to be caused by a dysfunctional inflammatory response in the gastrointestinal tract” (US News, 2009). Inflammation is the body's natural way of healing by sending immune cells to the site of injury or invader. Researchers think this immune system response may be triggered by bacteria or viruses, material in the intestinal contents, or a faulty signal from the body's cells, called an autoimmune response. Inflammation causes pain, heat, redness and swelling of the tissues. Chronic inflammation can damage tissue and organ function (US News, 2009). Additionally, Crohn's disease appears to affect some ethnic groups more than others. American Jews of European descent are four to five times more likely to de...... middle of paper ......rica, 2009).Florida Gator P/ David Lerner was recently diagnosed with Crohn's. He was ready to start the training season when he was diagnosed. Lerner was about to become the Gators' starting punter and thought that would probably derail him. After consistent treatment the disease was under control, but not gone. He was able to leave for the team and earn a scholarship. Lerner says, "Maybe I can't eat a couple of things here and there that I want to eat, but at the end of the day, that's really not the worst thing." thing in the world” (Washington Post, 2011). People with Crohn's disease accept their condition differently. Each sick person must adapt in his own way, but he must adapt. While there is currently no cure, research is ongoing and promises to improve the health and quality of life of people with Crohn's disease..