Crohn's disease, or regional enteritis, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the small intestine. Though the cause of this condition is unknown, researchers at the University of Maryland in Baltimore report that Crohn's disease may result from an abnormal autoimmune response triggered by food. Talk with your doctor if you develop Crohn's disease symptoms to ensure you receive appropriate treatment and care.
Abdominal Pain
One of the most common symptoms associated with Crohn's disease is abdominal pain. If you have Crohn's disease, certain foods can irritate the lining of your small intestine. When this occurs, your body initiates an inflammatory response, which can cause mild to severe pain to develop in your abdomen. Painful symptoms caused by this condition typically develop within the lower right portion of your abdomen.
Diarrhea
Patients with Crohn's disease experience diarrhea. Diarrhea causes frequent bowel movement urges that lead to the excretion of watery or loose stools. Symptoms of diarrhea are often accompanied by abdominal pain, cramping or bloating. Excessive intestinal irritation due to this disease can also cause small amounts of blood to appear within your stools. Some patients develop severe rectal bleeding, which can lead to anemia, a condition that results from low levels of red blood cells within the body.
Weight Loss
Chronic intestinal irritation characteristic of Crohn's disease can interfere with the way in which nutrients are absorbed by your digestive tract. If this occurs, you may not receive adequate nutrition from your dietary intake, which can lead to weight loss, explain health officials with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Some patients also experience chronic nausea or vomiting---symptoms that can also contribute to weight loss.
Joint Pain
The inflammatory response to Crohn's disease can cause symptoms to develop outside of your intestine. Some patients experience significant joint swelling and inflammation, leading to pain and irritation within the affected joint. Joint stiffness caused by irritation can make it difficult for you to move about normally.
Skin Irritation
If you have Crohn's disease, you can develop skin-related symptoms. You may notice that your skin appears red, dry, irritated or flaky and can begin to itch or swell. Some patients develop hives or skin welts, which can be tender or painful to the touch.
Fever
A fever can occur in response to an inflammatory signal within the body, causing your body temperature to increase. Fever symptoms are typically mild and may arise intermittently in patients with Crohn's Disease.
