Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that affects the end of the small bowel and beginning of the colon. It may affect as many as 700,000 Americans equally among men and women, most commonly appearing in adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 35. Symptoms include persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal cramps and pain. While diet and stress can aggravate the condition, the causes are believed to involve genetic and environmental factors. Testing may include blood tests, stool samples, x-rays, and endoscopy with biopsy to examine the colon and small intestine. Treatment options include medication, dietary changes, and sometimes surgery to remove diseased sections of bowel.