Crohn's disease is a chronic condition that causes the digestive, or gastrointestinal, tract to become inflamed. Doctors at the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) report that while approximately 20 percent of patients with Crohn's disease have a family member with the illness, there is no definitive cause known for the disease. As doctors explore the symptoms of Crohn's, they often look at abnormalities in the immune system and certain foreign substances that may be in the digestive tract.
Pain
The most common and obvious symptom of Crohn's disease is abdominal pain that is commonly found in the right side of the stomach.
Bleeding
Doctors at the NDDIC report that rectal bleeding in Crohn's patients often is so severe as to cause anemia.
Delayed development
Children who have Crohn's often experience delays in physical growth and motor skill development.
Diarrhea
Crohn's disease usually is accompanied by persistent watery diarrhea, report doctors at the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.
Appetite loss
While the symptoms of Crohn's disease vary between patients, most will experience appetite loss resulting in weight loss.
Skin problems
While problems in the gastrointestinal tract are the most common symptom, many patients also develop skin rashes, arthritis, joint pain and eye problems.
