A bout of diarrhea here and there is fairly common. From stomach bugs to hormones to food poisoning, the list of potential culprits runs the gamut. But when the occurrences become more persistent, it can be sign of a more serious problem, namely Crohn's disease. 

What Is Crohn's Disease?                       

Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is a group of conditions that includes Crohn's, ulcerative colitis and sometimes a few rarer forms of colitis. Crohn's is a chronic inflammation of portions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Patients can suffer flare-ups – symptoms that come and go. 

Crohn's can cause inflammation of any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, even skipping some areas. Inflammation most commonly affects the end of the small bowel and beginning of the colon, according to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). 

This inflammation can cause painful symptoms that may require medication or surgery. Unfortunately, no known cure exists.