Crohn’s Disease Symptoms

Crohn’s Disease symptoms may vary over time and from person-to-person. What we have laid out below is the most common accruing symptoms for Crohn’s Disease within the GI tract.

  • Diarrhea – watery, loose, or frequent bowel movement.
  • Abdominal pain- cramping Fever
  • Bleeding from the rectum
  • Appetite loss and subsequent weight loss.

Symptoms are not always limited to the GI tract. Children with Crohn’s disease may develop problems with sexual development and delayed growth. Additional areas that may be affected are the eyes, skin, liver, and joints. Fatigue is also a common complaint.

Fistula may also develop from inflammation. A fistula is an abnormal tunnel connecting two body cavities such as the rectum and the vagina or a body cavity to the skin like the rectum to the outside of the body. One way a fistula may form is from an abscess – a pocket of pus in the body. The abscess may be constantly filling with body fluids such as stool or urine, which prevents healing. Eventually the fistula breaks through to the skin, another body cavity, or an organ. Fistulas are more common in Crohn’s Disease than in ulcerative colitis. Approximately 30% of people with Crohn’s Disease develop fistulas.

Fissures may develop in the lining of the anus, causing bleeding and pain, especially during bowel movement. An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus, which can be both painful and embarrassing.

Crohn’s Disease Symptoms may range from severe to mild. Crohn’s patients will experience active periods of flare-ups and symptoms are more noticeable. These episodes are followed by times of remission, symptoms lax or disappear and good health returns. These symptoms can be very severe; a masters degree in public health focuses on researching the causes of these symptoms in a hopes to prevent Crohn’s disease and other related diseases.

Types of Crohn’s Disease and Symptoms.

Depending on what part of the intestinal tract that is inflamed, Crohn’s Disease symptoms and complications will differ. Listed below are five types of Crohn’s Disease, which your doctor may refer to your illness by specific areas involved. It is important to know what part of your intestine is affected by Crohn’s Disease.

Crohn’s (Granulomatous) Colitis
Affects the colon only. Type specific Crohns Disease symptoms include joint pain and skin lesions are more common in this form. Diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and anus abscesses, fistulas, and ulcers.

Gastroduodenal Crohn’s Disease
Affects the first part of the small intestine the duodenum and the stomach. Type specific Crohns Disease symptoms include appetite loss, weight loss, and nausea. If narrow segments of the bowel is obstructed vomiting maybe an indicator.

Ileocolitis
Crohn’s most common form, affecting the colon and the ileum. Type specific include significant weight loss, diarrhea, cramping or pain in the right lower part or middle of abdomen.

Ileitis
Ileum is affected. Type specific are the same as Ileocolitis. Complications may include inflammatory abscess or fistulas in the right lower quadrant of abdomen.

Jejunoileitis
Patchy areas of inflammation in upper half of the small intestine (jejunum). Type specific include mild to severe abdominal pain, cramping following intake of foods, and diarrhea. Fistulas may form.

These links will redirect you to…

What is Crohns?

Crohn’s Disease Diet & Nutrition