Crohn's disease is an illness that is characterized by areas of inflammation along the digestive tract. This inflammation can occur anywhere in the digestive tract, but typically affects the end of the small intestine and the colon. In addition, the inflammation may affect more than one layer of the wall of the digestive tract. This can cause the intestines to empty more frequently -- resulting in chronic diarrhea. The condition cannot be cured, but treatment can help people with Crohn's disease manage their symptoms and live active lives.