Crohn's Disease Symptoms

Human digestive system cross section. 2 D digital rendering.

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any portion of the digestive system from the mouth to the anus. The intestines are most commonly affected, however. An autoimmune disorder, Crohn's disease can strike people at any age, although it usually occurs in people between the ages of 15 and 35. Symptoms vary depending upon the portion of the gastrointestinal tract that is affected

Primary symptoms

Persistent, watery diarrhea is the symptom that occurs most frequently in people who have Crohn's disease. Abdominal pain, ranging from mild to severe, as well as appetite loss and unintentional weight loss, may also occur. People may have difficulty and pain when passing stool, and it is possible for blood to appear in the stool. People with Crohn's disease may also experience fatigue and fever.

Other symptoms

A host of other symptoms may accompany Crohn's disease, including constipation, eye inflammation, joint pain, liver inflammation, mouth ulcers, swollen gums and skin problems, including ulcers. Fistulas may form in the rectal area, from which pus or mucus may drain. Children can suffer from this disease, as well, and they may experience a delay in growth or sexual development, as a result.

People who have a persistent change in bowel habits or have abdominal pain, prolonged diarrhea that does not respond to over-the-counter remedies, blood in the stool or a fever that does not go away after a day or two should consult a physician.

Less common symptoms

Neurological symptoms are possible with Crohn's disease, as well. These include headache, depression, stroke, seizures, peripheral neuropathy and myopathy. People with Crohn's disease are more prone to developing blood clots, osteoporosis and autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Severity of symptoms

Crohn's disease may occur suddenly, or it may develop over a period of time. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. At certain times, the patient may enter remission and experience no symptoms at all.

Because so many symptoms are linked to Crohn's disease, and so many of them are symptoms of other conditions, it is critical for people to consult with a physician if they notice these symptoms. A physician can perform tests to properly diagnose and treat the condition that is causing the symptoms.

Crohn's disease may occur suddenly, or it may develop over a period of time