Crohn's disease is an idiopathic chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes transmural inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The immune system attacks bacteria, which is part of the normal flora of the intestines, causing the body to send white blood cells that cause the chronic inflammation. Although it can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, it commonly affects the ileum section of the small intestine. Common symptoms of Crohn's disease are abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting.
Abdominal Pain and Cramping
Pain and cramping in Crohn's disease is usually felt in the lower abdomen, though it can be felt all around, as the disease can affect the entire digestive tract. The chronic inflammation of the small intestine can lead to swelling of the walls, which eventually cause scarring, and affect normal bowel movement. This is the reason for the discomfort felt by Crohn's disease patients. This abdominal pain and wall inflammation can cause decreased appetite and decreased capability to process and absorb food.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea happens when the small intestine is unable to process and break down food well, because of the chronic inflammation and swelling. Water is not properly absorbed from the food particles in the colon, resulting in watery stools. These frequent bouts of diarrhea are experienced often, along with augmented bowel movements. While diarrhea is common in adults, it is usually found only rarely in children.
Fever
Fever, another common symptom, is the body's immune system defense to the chronic inflammation of the small intestine. The degree of fever depends on the severity of the disease. Patients might experience higher fevers during acute attacks and moderate, low-grade fever otherwise.
Other Signs and Symptoms
Other symptoms involved in Crohn's disease are fistulas, blood in the stool, vomiting and ulcers. The swelling and scarring of the intestine can cause obstruction or intestinal blockage. The formation of fistulas is a more severe complication that may occur with sores or ulcers within the intestinal tract. Bleeding can result from the inflamed tissue of the digestive tract as food passes through. Large ulcers can be formed as a product of the surface intestinal sores created because of Crohn's disease.
