Crohn's Disease Symptoms

Initially, many doctors may confuse the symptoms of Crohn’s disease with other conditions such as lactose intolerance, upset stomach, or irritable bowel syndrome. Over time, if these symptoms do not subside or grow worse, they may be a sign of a bigger problem. Also, Crohn’s disease is a condition of constant ebbs and flows. Some months or weeks, the disease is in remission or has few symptoms. Then a relapse can occur, and symptoms return.

The main symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:

• abdominal pain—Cramping and intermittent pain are signs of Crohn’s disease, as are tenderness when your abdomen is touched.
• persistent diarrhea (sometimes with blood and mucus)—Some people may experience diarrhea 10 to 20 times per day.
• unintended weight loss
• loss of appetite
• fever—A fever may signal an infection, such as an abscess, which is a complication of Crohn’s disease and ulcers.
• anemia—People with Crohn’s disease are often anemic because their iron levels remain too low due to bloody stools and intestinal inflammation that results in poor absorption of iron.
• fatigue
• delayed growth and sexual development (most commonly in children with Crohn’s disease)

Less common symptoms include:

• mouth sores
• anal tears (fissures)
• channels between organs (fistulas)
• bowel blockages or obstructions
• nutritional deficiencies—a result of the intestines not being able to absorb nutrients from food

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease are not limited to the GI tract; the disease can also affect the immune system responses and cause symptoms such as joint pain, skin rash, or eye lesions.

When to Call Your Doctor

If you have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and begin experiencing one of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency department.

• fever or shaking chills
• rapid heart rate
• lightheadedness
• consistent bloody stools
• severe dehydration
• severe abdominal pain or bloating
• drainage of pus from around the anus
• frequent vomiting
• unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas