The inflammation of Crohn's disease can affect different for different people. In some people, only the small intestine is affected. In others, limited to the colon (large intestine). The areas most commonly affected by Crohn's disease is the last part of the small intestine (ileum) and colon. Inflammation may be limited to the intestinal wall, which can lead to scarring (stricture) or inflammation can extend through the intestinal wall (fistula).
Signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease can range from mild to severe and may develop gradually or come suddenly, without notice. It may also be times when there are no signs or symptoms (remission). When the disease is active, the signs and symptoms may include:
Diarrhea. The inflammation that occurs in Crohn's disease causes cells in the affected areas of the intestine to secrete large amounts of water and salt. Because the colon can not absorb any excess fluid, you develop diarrhea. Intensified intestinal cramping also can contribute to loose stools. Diarrhea is a common problem for people with Crohn's.
Abdominal pain and cramps. Inflammation and ulceration may cause parts of the walls of the intestine to swell and eventually thicken with scar tissue. This affects the normal movement of contents through the digestive tract and can cause pain and cramps. Mild Crohn's disease usually causes mild to moderate intestinal disorders, but in severe cases, pain can be severe, nausea and vomiting.
Blood in the stool. Moves through the power of your digestive tract can cause inflammation of the tissues to bleed, or your bowel may also bleed on its own. You can feel the bright red blood in the toilet bowl or darker blood mixed with your stool. You can also have bleeding you do not see (occult blood).
Ulcers. Crohn's disease can cause small lesions on the surface of the intestine that eventually become large ulcers that penetrate deep into - and sometimes through - the intestinal walls. May also be sores in the mouth as thrush.
Decreased appetite and weight loss. Abdominal pain and cramping and the inflammatory reaction in the intestinal wall can affect both your appetite and the ability to digest and absorb food.
Other signs and symptoms
People with severe Crohn's disease may also experience:
Fever
Fatigue
Arthritis
Eye inflammation
Mouth sores
Skin
Inflammation of the liver or bile ducts
Delayed growth and sexual development in children
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have persistent changes in bowel habits or if you have any symptoms of Crohn's disease, such as:
Stomach ache
Blood in the stool
Ongoing attacks of diarrhea that are responsible for the over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
Unexplained fever for more than a day or two
Signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease can range from mild to severe and may develop gradually or come suddenly, without notice. It may also be times when there are no signs or symptoms (remission). When the disease is active, the signs and symptoms may include:
Diarrhea. The inflammation that occurs in Crohn's disease causes cells in the affected areas of the intestine to secrete large amounts of water and salt. Because the colon can not absorb any excess fluid, you develop diarrhea. Intensified intestinal cramping also can contribute to loose stools. Diarrhea is a common problem for people with Crohn's.
Abdominal pain and cramps. Inflammation and ulceration may cause parts of the walls of the intestine to swell and eventually thicken with scar tissue. This affects the normal movement of contents through the digestive tract and can cause pain and cramps. Mild Crohn's disease usually causes mild to moderate intestinal disorders, but in severe cases, pain can be severe, nausea and vomiting.
Blood in the stool. Moves through the power of your digestive tract can cause inflammation of the tissues to bleed, or your bowel may also bleed on its own. You can feel the bright red blood in the toilet bowl or darker blood mixed with your stool. You can also have bleeding you do not see (occult blood).
Ulcers. Crohn's disease can cause small lesions on the surface of the intestine that eventually become large ulcers that penetrate deep into - and sometimes through - the intestinal walls. May also be sores in the mouth as thrush.
Decreased appetite and weight loss. Abdominal pain and cramping and the inflammatory reaction in the intestinal wall can affect both your appetite and the ability to digest and absorb food.
Other signs and symptoms
People with severe Crohn's disease may also experience:
Fever
Fatigue
Arthritis
Eye inflammation
Mouth sores
Skin
Inflammation of the liver or bile ducts
Delayed growth and sexual development in children
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have persistent changes in bowel habits or if you have any symptoms of Crohn's disease, such as:
Stomach ache
Blood in the stool
Ongoing attacks of diarrhea that are responsible for the over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
Unexplained fever for more than a day or two
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