Question

A 36-year-old Jewish man presents with abdominal pain and diarrhea, as well as a 2-day history of a low-grade fever. He is initially treated with fluids and antibiotics, but his symptoms worsen. On evaluation, he is diagnosed with Crohn's disease. He is a nonsmoker, but has alcoholic drinks on alternate days; he underwent an appendectomy 2 years ago. His mother was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 10 years ago.

What in his history is a risk factor for Crohn's disease?

1. His age
2. Alcohol consumption
3. His Jewish ancestry
4. Family history of IBS
5. Appendectomy

Answer 1

The Jewish ancestry of the patient is a recognized risk factor for Crohn's disease, given a higher prevalence in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Alcohol consumption and history of appendectomy are not traditional risk factors. Smoking tobacco and a diet high in animal proteins are environmental risk factors, but the patient is a nonsmoker.

Step-by-step explanation:

The risk factors for Crohn's disease include a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental influences. In the case of the 36-year-old Jewish man diagnosed with Crohn's disease, his Jewish ancestry (His Jewish ancestry) is a known risk factor, as there is a higher prevalence of Crohn's disease among individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Family history of IBD is also a significant risk factor, although his mother had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is not the same as Crohn's but still may suggest a familial tendency for gastrointestinal problems. His age, alcohol consumption, and history of appendectomy are not traditionally considered risk factors for Crohn's. It is essential to note that smoking tobacco is a recognized environmental risk factor, not alcohol, and while the patient is a nonsmoker, diet high in animal proteins could also increase the risk.