Crohn's disease refers to a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that most commonly affects your small intestine (part of your digestive tract) and colon, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. Parts of your digestive tract become inflamed, and this inflammation can spread to the deeper areas of your bowel tissue, according to the Mayo Clinic. The cause of Crohn's disease is unclear, but heredity and immune system abnormalities may contribute to its development. There are specific symptoms that characterize Crohn's disease.
Abdominal Pain
According to the Mayo Clinic, you may experience abdominal pain when you suffer from Crohn's disease. The inflammation and ulcers in your bowels lead to swelling and scar formation on your bowel walls. As food passes through your digestive tract, you may experience stomach pains and cramping.
Fistulas
According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, fistulas (abnormal connections between the intestine, bladder, skin or vagina) can commonly form in the anal region as a direct result of bowel inflammation. Mucus, stool or pus can drain from these fistulas.
Diarrhea
The Mayo Clinic states that diarrhea is the most common symptom of Crohn's disease. Because your bowels are inflamed, your cells secrete massive amounts of salt and water. Your colon can't absorb this and diarrhea results.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is another common symptom of Crohn's disease, according to Medline Plus. Bleeding can affect the upper part of your digestive tract (from your mouth to the upper portion of your small intestine) or lower part of your digestive tract (from the upper portion of your small intestine to your anus). GI bleeding can lead to anemia (decrease in the amount of your red blood cells), hypovolemia (condition where your heart is unable to pump enough blood to your body) or death.
Ulcers
Crohn's disease may also cause ulcer formation on your intestines, according to the Mayo Clinic. Initially, they may be small and become larger over time.
Other Symptoms
Medline Plus states that Crohn's disease can also lead to deep-vein thrombosis (blood clots in your legs), kidney stones, joint pain, skin rash and weight or appetite loss. Fatigue, fever, eye inflammation and swollen gums are additional symptoms of Crohn's disease.
