Crohn's disease, which is also known as inflammatory bowel disease, can be mild or quite severe. Crohn's disease causes an inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. This can lead to the development of sores or ulcers. The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association suggests that this disease occurs because the immune system mistakes normal intestinal bacteria for a foreign invader and attacks it, causing inflammation. But there are treatments available. Learning to recognize the symptoms will help you to seek treatment early on to manage your symptoms and avoid complications.
Onset
The onset of Crohn's disease may be sudden and acute or it can develop slowly over the years with just mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, according to the AARDA. The most common are frequent bowel movements, loose watery stools or persistent diarrhea that occurs up to 20 times per day. Since diarrhea is a generalized symptom you may not attribute it to Crohn's disease and put off seeing your doctor. In addition, this disease tends to go through periods of flare ups and remissions. During a remission you may feel fine and have no symptoms at all.
Common Symptoms
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America claims that along with the above, other common symptoms include abdominal cramps or pain that usually occurs in the lower right side of your stomach. This pain may be worse after you have eaten. You may also experience fever, rectal bleeding, unusual fatigue, joint aches and pain, skin problems, weight loss and loss of appetite. This condition can also cause anemia, especially in cases where there is constant blood loss through bowel movements.
Symptoms in Children
Crohn's disease can be especially challenging in children and teens. It can lead to slowed growth and bone disease. This occurs because nutrients are not being absorbed properly by the body. In cases where this disease is diagnosed before puberty, sexual development may also be affected.
Complications
In severe cases, Crohn's disease can lead to blockage in the intestines. The National Institutes of Health states that "Blockage occurs because the disease tends to thicken the intestinal wall with swelling and scar tissue, narrowing the passage." In addition the sores or ulcers that form in the digestive tract can spread to the bladder, vagina, skin, anus and rectum. In the lining of the anus these sores can turn into tears or fissures causing rectal bleeding or drainage of mucus or pus. Other complications include inflammation in the eyes or mouth, the development of kidney stones, gallstones and liver disease.
