Crohn’s Disease Symptoms Include:
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Persistent diarrhea
- Fever
- Rectal bleeding
- Constipation
- Urgent need to move bowels
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue (or low energy)
- Night sweats
- Loss of normal menstrual cycle
Crohn’s disease symptoms range from mild to severe, can change over time, and vary from person to person—depending on what part of the GI tract is inflamed. And Crohn’s can be progressive—meaning that over time, your symptoms can get worse. That’s why it’s important to always have open conversations about your symptoms with your doctor. You and your doctor will use that information to help determine the best treatment plan for you.
Crohn’s Inflammation Can Affect More Than the GI Tract
With Crohn’s disease, a person’s immune system overreacts—causing inflammation that leads to symptoms. Outside of the intestine (extraintestinal) it can also affect:
What Are Some Signs to Assess Crohn's Disease Activity?
- Frequent diarrhea
- Abdominal pain (but can walk and eat normally)
- No signs of:
- Dehydration
- High fever
- Abdominal tenderness
- Intestinal obstruction
- Weight loss > 10%
Crohn’s disease is unpredictable. Symptoms can change over time in severity—or even altogether. You may go through periods of remission (when you have few or no symptoms) alternating with times when the disease is active and causing symptoms (flares). Crohn’s symptoms can also come on suddenly, without warning. For times like those, it’s good to be prepared with resources like the Restroom Request Card.
Remember to partner with your doctor—helping you both create a treatment plan that’s right for you. It’s important to follow your treatment as prescribed and to contact your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
3 Key Tips From Dr. Millie Long
Gastroenterologist Dr. Millie Long talks about tips for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—like Crohn's Disease or UC.
Know Your Type of Crohn’s Disease and Its Symptoms
If you have Crohn’s, you should know which part of your GI tract is affected. The type of Crohn’s you have impacts the symptoms and complications you may experience. And remember to always tell your doctor about the impact of your disease on your life.
It’s the most common form of Crohn’s disease—affecting the end of the small intestine (terminal ileum) and the large intestine (colon)
Symptoms may include:
- Diarrhea and cramping
- Pain in the middle or lower right part of the abdomen
- Significant weight loss
What Are Complications of Crohn’s Disease?
Some cases of Crohn’s can lead to serious complications. In some cases, your doctor may recommend surgery. Remember that having a good partnership between you and your doctor is very important in managing your disease.
- Abscess—Infected fluid collection in a tissue cavity
- Anemia—Over time, this can be caused by blood loss in the stool or lack of iron or vitamin B12
- Bone loss—People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—like Crohn’s—often have decreased vitamin D, which can lead to bone loss (osteopenia or osteoarthritis), and steroids can make bone loss worse
- Bowel obstruction—Crohn’s affects the thickness of the intestinal wall, and over time parts of the bowel can scar and narrow—which may block the flow of digestion
- Fissures—Tears in the anus lining which can cause pain and bleeding (especially during bowel movements)
- Fistula—Abnormal tunnels that form between 2 structures of the body which are caused by inflammation
- Increased risk of colon cancer—Long-term inflammation of the colon can lead to colon dysplasia (abnormal or precancerous cells)—and colon cancer
- Malabsorption and malnutrition—This includes deficiency of vitamins and minerals—specifically, inflammation of the small intestine can decrease absorption of iron and vitamin B12
- Perforated bowel—Chronic inflammation can weaken the intestinal wall to the extent that a hole develops
- Stricture—Narrowing of the intestine, resulting from chronic inflammation
- Ulcers—Chronic inflammation can lead to open sores (ulcers) anywhere in your digestive tract—from the mouth to anus
Want to prepare for your next Crohn’s doctor visit? Use the Doctor Discussion Guide
Get a Restroom Access Card* and helpful info
Have a discreet way to ask for access to restricted restrooms if you have symptoms. And get updates, resources and more sent to your inbox.
*Eligibility restricted to patients diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Available as a card and mobile wallet version for your phone.
