Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), usually focused in the lower small intestine (ileum) and parts of the large intestine; however, it can affect any area along the digestive tract. It doesn't usually set in before the late teen years, but 20 percent of Crohn's cases are found in kids, according to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. This chronic disease causes inflammation of the intestinal lining and often deep into the intestinal wall. Several early warning signs may signal that your child needs further diagnosis for Crohn's disease.
Diarrhea
If your child is still in diapers, you're more likely to notice certain signs right away; if not, ask your child to let you know if he ever sees anything unusual in the toilet. Blood in your child's stools is always cause for concern, and if accompanied by loose, frequent bowel movements, may point to Crohn's.
Chronic diarrhea, which may be bloody, is one of the most common first symptoms of the disease. This is because the inflammation makes cells secrete water and salt, which the colon can't completely absorb, explains MayoClinic.com, part of the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Sometimes, the inflamed tissue bleeds as food moves past it, but this isn't always noticeable. Blood that's not visible is called occult blood.
Abdominal Pain
Another early symptom of Crohn's is cramp-like abdominal pain, caused by irritation in the muscles and nerves that control intestinal contractions. Sometimes, the pain is most acute in the lower right abdomen and can mimic the symptoms of appendicitis. Crohn's also can cause disrupted digestion, which prevents proper food absorption. In a child, this can cause appetite loss, malnourishment, improper growth and delayed puberty.
Fever and Fatigue
Because diarrhea causes loss of nutrients and fluids, a child with Crohn's disease can lose her energy and even experience fatigue and low-grade fever. You may notice her taking long naps or losing interest in physical activities she usually enjoys. If your child has unexplained fever that lasts longer than a day or two, or suffers from any of the other early symptoms of Crohn's, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you take her to a doctor.
