Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease can vary significantly depending on the type of IBD—Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis—the severity of the condition, and which parts of the gastrointestinal tract are affected.
Understanding the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease is key for early action. Although signs differ from person to person, many are shared. These symptoms often get confused with other gut problems, which can delay treatment.
One of the main symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease is long-lasting diarrhoea. Unlike irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which may cause mild and on-and-off diarrhoea, IBD-related diarrhoea is often severe. It may be frequent, urgent, and even wake people at night. In ulcerative colitis, this diarrhoea often comes with blood or mucus. In Crohn’s disease, the stool may be watery and less bloody, depending on where the gut is inflamed.
Abdominal pain is also common. People with Crohn’s disease tend to feel this pain more, especially if the small bowel is involved. The pain feels like cramps and often gets better after using the toilet. In ulcerative colitis, the pain is usually in the lower belly or near the rectum. While both conditions cause pain, the type and place of the pain can help doctors figure out which type of IBD is present.
Fatigue and Weight Loss in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Fatigue is another key sign. It may come from many causes, such as poor sleep, low iron, or the strain of ongoing inflammation. This tiredness can deeply affect how someone feels and functions each day.
Weight loss and lack of hunger often go together with inflammatory bowel disease. This is more common in Crohn’s disease. The gut struggles to absorb nutrients, and eating can cause pain or nausea. This leads to a drop in food intake and poor nutrition. In children, this may slow down growth and delay puberty.
Bleeding from the rectum is often seen in ulcerative colitis. It can show as bright red blood in the toilet bowl or on toilet paper. Crohn’s disease can also cause rectal bleeding, but it’s less common unless the colon is affected. Any bleeding like this should lead to quick medical attention.
Some people feel the need to rush to the toilet often, even when their bowel is empty. This is called urgency and tenesmus. These signs usually point to inflammation in the rectum or lower colon. While more common in ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease may also cause them. These symptoms can lead to stress and social avoidance, especially if there’s fear of losing control.
Extra Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Fever and feeling unwell can happen during flare-ups. A mild fever often shows that inflammation is active. A high or lasting fever might mean a more serious problem like an abscess. Children may get fevers more often than adults during flare-ups, which should not be ignored.
Inflammatory bowel disease can also affect areas outside the gut. These include joints (causing pain or swelling), skin (with rashes like erythema nodosum), eyes (with redness or vision changes), and the liver. These extra symptoms may appear before or after bowel problems start, and they show how the immune system affects the whole body.
Nausea and vomiting can happen when the small bowel is inflamed, more so in Crohn’s disease. These signs are worrying if they hint at a blockage. If vomiting is ongoing, a doctor should check for serious issues quickly.
Some people with Crohn’s disease also get mouth sores. These ulcers can make eating or talking hard and usually go away once the gut inflammation is treated.
Inflammatory bowel disease can even affect hormones. Women may notice changes in their periods or find it harder to get pregnant during flare-ups. Poor nutrition, stress, and some medicines all play a part. But with the right treatment, most people can still plan for a safe pregnancy.
Recognising Flare-Ups of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease do not always stay the same. People often go through calm periods with no symptoms, followed by sudden flare-ups. Some may have mild symptoms for years, while others face serious issues early on. How often symptoms occur depends on many things, including stress, diet, medication use, and other health conditions.
Sadly, many people delay getting help. They may feel embarrassed or blame their symptoms on food or stress. This delay can cause harm. Quick diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease improve outcomes and lower the risk of serious problems.
Public awareness is crucial. Health campaigns and informed healthcare providers can help people recognise the signs of inflammatory bowel disease early. This way, more people can get the help they need without delay.
