An inflammation of the intestines (bowel). It can affect the part of the small intestine called the ileum, the large intestine (colon), or both. It is a life-long condition, but it may come and go. Sometimes you have symptoms and sometimes you don't.
The disease causes swelling, redness, even sores (ulcers) in the intestines. These ulcers can create a hole in the wall of the intestine. Both the swelling and scar tissue from the sores can block the passage of food through the intestines.