Many people have suffered from some form of gastrointestinal discomfort in their lives. For patients with Crohn's disease this can be an everyday event that greatly affects their daily life. Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's disease most commonly occurs in the lower gastrointestinal tract involving the small and large intestine and colon, but can be found anywhere throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. Crohn's disease is grouped into a larger group of diseases more commonly called inflammatory bowel disease. ("About Crohn's Disease," 2009) Crohn's disease occurs when the body's defense system, the immune system, does not behave normally. In the case of Crohn's disease, the immune system attacks bacteria that aid digestion, mistaking the bacteria for an invasive substance. (“On Crohn's Disease,” 2009) This attack is what causes the inflammation characteristic of Crohn's disease and can lead to a myriad of symptoms and complications. The diagnosis of Crohn's disease can often be prolonged due to the presenting symptoms. There are several and they can often be confused with other diseases or common daily intestinal irritations. Crohn's disease typically first presents between the ages of 15 and 35. ("On Crohn's Disease", 2009). Patients may experience persistent, watery, or soft diarrhea, leading to frequent trips to the bathroom. Patients may also experience extreme pain due to abdominal cramps, bloating or rectal bleeding, as well as fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss. ("Crohn's Disease," 2011) Other problems that can occur due to the symptoms and the disease itself include anal fissures (tears), fistulas, and strictures or blockages. If a patient's symptoms are persistent and not necessarily... . half of the document ....... suffering from an inflammatory bowel disease. Technologists can be of great help by being aware of how to make the patient comfortable so that the treatment and doctor experience does not seem so overwhelming. Works Cited on Crohn's Disease. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.ccfa.org/info/about/crohnsIleostomy. (2011). American Cancer Society. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/PhysicalSideEffects/Ostomies/IleostomyGuide/indexAnonymous. Personal interview by Tiffany Kiefert. June 15, 2011. Crohn's disease. (2011, July 6). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crohn%27s_diseaseSmith, Claire. Personal interview by Tiffany Kiefert. June 15, 2011. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are an effective option in the management of Crohn's disease. Drug and Therapeutic Perspectives 26.9 (2010): 15-18. CINAHL. EBSCO. Network. July 7 2011.