Persistent diarrhea and abdominal pain can indicate symptoms belonging to a group of disorders known as inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. There are two types of inflammatory diseases---Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both cause inflammation along the gastrointestinal tract with additional similar and distinguishing features reported by the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Severity and presence of symptoms vary from patient to patient. Clinical features of inflammatory bowel disease often mimic those of other diseases.
Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain is a feature of a multitude of diseases and does not give an indication of IBD. It is the most common symptom associated with IBD, however. Both Crohn's and ulcerative colitis patients present with complaints of stomach pains and bloating in addition to their other identifying symptoms. Abdominal pain is related to meals, with patients experiencing pain soon after eating, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Fever
Inflammatory disorders are commonly known to increase body temperature. The same is true for inflammatory bowel disease. Fever indicates the body's attempt to heal itself. In inflammatory bowel disease, during exacerbations the body is in a constant state of flux repairing damaged tissue of the colon. This is seen in both types of inflammatory bowel disease.
Bleeding
Although bleeding can occur in both inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, bleeding is associated heavily with ulcerative colitis. If there is bleeding involved in patients with Crohn's, there is increased likelihood that there are rectal lesions. Bleeding helps to distinguish between the two disorders. Bleeding is not distinctive to IBD, however. Bleeding presents as a common feature in many infectious disorders. As a rule, infectious causes of abdominal pain and diarrhea are ruled out before a definitive diagnosis is made.
Diarrhea
Increased stools or an increase in stool frequency is another presenting complaint of inflammatory bowel disease. Patients may or may not report bloody stools. As previously mentioned, however, bleeding is more likely in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Weight Loss
It is not hard to imagine with increased loss of stools and persistent abdominal pain that a person might be subject to weight loss. In addition, poor dietary intake due to decreased appetite, intestinal loss of protein, and poor absorption of nutrients are all additive to losing weight. In children with IBD, growth can be stunted.
Joint pain
The inflammation caused by inflammatory disease is not limited to the intestines. It manifests as inflammation in other parts of the body as well, specifically the large joints in the body are targeted. Similar to arthritis, IBD can cause joint pain and swelling. Each patient is affected differently.
Skin Lesions
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's have associated skin lesions. Painful raised nodules and necrotic ulcers are present. These lesions are located in various places on the body and present as distinguishing features of IBD.
