Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. Symptoms may appear suddenly, but they can also develop gradually and worsen over time.
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the condition and which part of the digestive tract it affects.
Read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease. This article also looks at how they can differ depending on the part of the gut in which the condition develops.
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Other symptoms that may develop include:
- loss of appetite
- anemia
- fever
- tiredness
- eye pain or redness
- tender bumps under the skin that are different in color than a person’s usual skin tone
- nausea
- joint pain
- blood and mucus in stool
Early symptoms of Crohn’s disease are typically similar to those of norovirus, food poisoning, and other gastrointestinal conditions, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
A person may initially notice abdominal pain and changes in their bowel movements, such as diarrhea. They may also experience bloating.
Crohn’s disease is most likely to appear in people ages
Learn more about the average age of diagnosis for Crohn’s disease.
There are five types of Crohn’s disease, and they differ according to the part of the digestive tract they affect. They also present slightly differently, which helps doctors diagnose the type of the condition correctly.
Below is an overview of each of the five types of Crohn’s disease and their symptoms.
Ileocolitis
Ileocolitis is the most common type of the condition. It affects the large intestine and the end of the small intestine.
Common symptoms are:
- pain or cramping in the center or lower right region of the abdomen
- diarrhea
- significant weight loss
Ileitis
Ileitis affects the ileum, the narrowest and final section of the small intestine.
Its symptoms resemble those of ileocolitis, but complications can arise. These include fistulas or abscesses in the lower right part of the abdomen.
A fistula in the gut is a passage that develops between the digestive tract and another part of the body.
Crohn’s colitis
Crohn’s colitis, or granulomatous colitis, usually only affects the large intestine.
Typical symptoms include:
- ulcers, fistulas, and abscesses around the anus
- joint pain
- skin changes
- diarrhea
- bleeding from the rectum
Gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease
With gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease, severe inflammation occurs in the stomach and the first part of the small intestine.
Symptoms include:
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- nausea
- vomiting
Jejunoileitis
This type of Crohn’s disease affects the upper half of the small intestine, called the jejunum.
Symptoms include:
- diarrhea
- stomach cramping or discomfort after eating
- fistulas, in severe cases
Learn more about the types of Crohn’s disease.
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), Crohn’s disease in children can lead to:
- cramping
- abdominal pain
- regular episodes of watery diarrhea
- nausea
- loss of appetite, which can affect growth and weight gain
- fatigue
- fever
- malnutrition due to a low calorie intake
- nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorption
- delayed puberty, in some cases
- bleeding in the digestive system
- anemia, which can cause pale skin, faintness, and other health problems
As the condition progresses, a child may experience:
- obstruction of the large intestine, leading to constipation, cramping, and vomiting
- lesions in or around the mouth, which affect 40% of children with the condition
- painful small raised bumps on the skin
- burning or itching in the eyes due to inflammation
- joint pain or arthritis
The NORD states that around 30% of children with Crohn’s disease develop perianal Crohn’s disease. This can cause:
- abscesses
- fissures
- skin tags
- pain when going to the bathroom
Crohn’s disease may lead to complications. These can
- eye problems, such as uveitis and episcleritis
- mouth ulcers
- cholangitis
- gallstones
- arthritis
- ankylosing spondylitis
- anal fissure
- malnutrition
- strictures
- colon cancer
Learn more about the possible complications of Crohn’s disease.
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can resemble those of other conditions,
- stomach infection
- Behçet’s disease
- celiac disease
- intestinal cancer
- mesenteric ischemia, or reduced blood flow to the digestive system
- intestinal tuberculosis
If a person experiences symptoms of Crohn’s disease, it is important to contact a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment plan.
People need to seek guidance from a doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- diarrhea that lasts for 7 days or longer
- frequent stomach pain, cramping, and discomfort
- blood in stool
- unexplained weight loss
The doctor may order tests or refer the person to a specialist to assist with reaching an accurate diagnosis.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Crohn’s disease.
Can you suddenly develop Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease
What triggers Crohn’s disease?
Possible causes for Crohn’s disease
Learn more about Crohn’s disease triggers.
What foods trigger Crohn’s disease?
Food triggers for Crohn’s disease can differ for each person but may include foods high in fat, fiber, or lactose. Artificial sweeteners, sugary foods, and spicy foods may also trigger Crohn’s disease.
The early signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease can resemble those of other conditions. Common symptoms include diarrhea, stomach pain, and bloating. A person may also experience unexplained weight loss.
The symptoms a person experiences can depend on the type of Crohn’s disease. Anyone who notices new or persistent symptoms needs to contact a doctor for advice. The doctor can help confirm the diagnosis and advise on a suitable treatment plan.