In terms of Crohn’s disease:

• Strictures are narrowing parts of the intestines as a result of excess scar tissue;
• Ulcers are essentially “holes” in the gut lining;
• Fistulas are abnormal tunnels connecting separate body cavities.

The root cause of Crohn’s strictures, ulcers and fistulas is unknown.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), gastric reflux disease, or acid reflux disease is a chronic symptom of mucosal damage caused by stomach acid coming up from the stomach into the esophagus and can also cause very significant inflammation, strictures, ulcers and fistulas.

If esophagus strictures, ulcers and fistulas can be formed as a result of stomach acid, could another source of acid be causing strictures, ulcers, and fistulas in Crohn’s disease?