Although Crohn's disease most commonly begins in adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 35 according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, it can begin at any age. The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford reports that approximately 20 percent of Crohn's patients are children, some as young as seven. The signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease in children are similar to those seen in adults.
Diarrhea
Crohn's disease is one of several inflammatory bowel diseases. Crohn's disease causes inflammation in the digestive tract, also known as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. One feature that distinguishes Crohn's disease from other IBD is that the inflammation most commonly occurs in the lower portion of the small intestine, known as the ileum, and the upper part of the colon.
The inflammation of the intestines causes the cells in the intestinal walls to secrete excess water and salts. The colon usually absorbs water and minerals to be used in the body; however, when too much water and salt is flowing through the colon, it is not able to absorb it all. This causes watery, loose stools that occur frequently, known as diarrhea. The presence of persistent diarrhea is one of the characteristic symptoms, and often the first noticeable symptom, of Crohn's disease, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.
Abdominal Pain
The intestinal inflammation that occurs due to Crohn's disease affects all of the layers of the intestinal wall. This can cause scar tissue to form and even result in ulcers, which are open sores. As digested contents move through the GI tract and come into contact with the inflamed areas and open sores, abdominal pain and cramping can occur.
Loss of Appetite
The abdominal pain and persistent diarrhea are often accompanied by a loss of appetite, one of the early symptoms of Crohn's disease as reported by the Merck Manual. Crohn's disease is a chronic condition, meaning that it is long-lasting. Children who have Crohn's disease will experience periods of time when their symptoms are worse, known as flare-ups. During these flare-ups, the loss of appetite can be prolonged and result in weight loss.
Over time, the decreased appetite and diarrhea inhibits the amount of nutrients that are absorbed by the body. This is especially dangerous for children because it can result in stunted growth and inhibit sexual development as reported by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.
