(HealthDay News) -- Crohn's disease causes portions of the digestive tract to swell. This can trigger pain and cause the intestines to empty frequently.

Swelling and scar tissue can trigger dangerous complications, including a blockage in the intestines, the U.S. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says.

The agency says additional complications of Crohn's could include:

Ulcers called fistulas that form in the intestinal tract and may tunnel to surrounding tissue.
Malnutrition or vitamin deficiencies.
Anemia.
Slowed growth in children.
Bone problems, including osteoporosis.

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