True or False: Crohn's disease may be caused by the immune system mistaking bacteria and food as "invaders" to the digestive system.

Crohn's disease is indeed believed to involve the immune system mistakenly identifying normal gut bacteria and food particles as harmful invaders. This misidentification leads to an inappropriate immune response, causing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. This chronic inflammation can result in symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. The exact cause of Crohn's disease is not fully understood, but the immune system's response to non-threatening substances is a significant factor in its development.

In contrast, stating that the response is false ignores the well-established understanding of how Crohn's disease functions at an immunological level. The notion that the cause depends on the patient or only occurs in severe cases does not accurately reflect the disease's fundamental characteristics, as the immune response plays a role regardless of the severity of the condition. Understanding these mechanisms helps provide insight into potential treatment approaches and the management of the disease.