Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary greatly between individuals, depending on which part of the gastrointestinal tract is affected and how severe the inflammation is. Crohn’s disease is characterised by unpredictable flare-ups and periods of remission, which makes symptom management a central focus of care.

Digestive Symptoms

The most common symptoms include:

Chronic diarrhoea: Often watery or loose, sometimes with mucus or blood

Abdominal pain and cramping: Frequently located in the lower right side of the abdomen

Urgency to defecate: A sudden and compelling need to use the toilet

Rectal bleeding: Caused by inflammation or small tears in the lining of the bowel

Weight loss and reduced appetite: Due to malabsorption of nutrients or loss of interest in food during flare-ups

Nausea and vomiting: Particularly when inflammation affects the upper gastrointestinal tract

Systemic Symptoms | Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, it can cause:

Fatigue and weakness

Fever during active flare-ups

Anaemia due to blood loss or poor nutrient absorption

Mouth ulcers

Joint pain or swelling (enteropathic arthritis)

Symptoms in Children

In children, Crohn’s disease may also result in:

Delayed growth or puberty

Poor weight gain

General irritability or discomfort

Fluctuating Nature

Symptoms often appear gradually and may be mistaken for other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or food intolerance. Flare-ups may be triggered by stress, certain foods, infections, or stopping medication.

In summary, symptoms of Crohn’s disease can range from mild to severe and may affect many areas beyond the digestive system. Recognising the signs early allows for quicker diagnosis and better symptom control.

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