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? Do I need to follow a special diet? Could my medications have side effects? How will Crohn's disease change my life? The better informed they are, the more equipped they will be to actively participate in 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 the skin, eyes, joints, mouth and sometimes the liver (Chang, 2008). Men and women appear to be affected proportionally. Crohn's disease can occur in people of any age, but it mainly affects adolescents and young adults. However, Crohn's disease can occur in people over 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 believe this immune system response may be triggered by bacteria or viruses, by material in intestinal contents, or by a faulty signal from the body's own cells, called an autoimmune response. Inflammation causes pain, heat, redness, and swelling of the tissues. Chronic inflammation can impair tissue and organ function (US News, 2009). Crohn's disease also appears to affect some ethnic groups more than others. American Jews of European descent are four to five times more likely to become... middle of paper ......rica, 2009). Florida Gator P/ David Lerner was recently diagnosed with Crohn's disease. He was ready to start the training season when he received his diagnosis. Lerner was poised to become the Gators' starting punter and he thought that would likely derail him. After complete treatment, the disease was under control, but had not disappeared. He was able to start on the team and get a scholarship. Lerner says, “Maybe I can't eat a few things here and there that I want to eat, but at the end of the day, that's really not the worst. thing in the world” (Washington Post, 2011). People with Crohn's disease accept their illness differently. Each person with the disease must adapt in their own way, but they must adapt. Although there is currently no cure, research continues and promises to improve the health and quality of life of people with Crohn's disease...