Crohns disease symptoms can be more than just a little uncomfortable.
This 2013 estimate is the latest available, so the exact figure is likely much higher than this.
Not sure what your stomach woes could be pointing to?
Crohn’s disease symptoms can be hard to distinguish from other GI conditions.
National Library of Medicine(NLM).
What are the most common Crohns disease symptoms?
Ahead, read about the most common Crohns symptoms, according to theNIDDKandMayo Clinic.
Were talking persistent, unexpected, and urgentdiarrheathat doesnt respond well to over-the-counter medications.
Diarrhea happens because of the gut inflammation inherent to Crohns, Dr. Farhadi says.
The illness can cause open sores (ulcers) anywhere in your digestive tract.
Unfortunately, those ulcers can bleed, causing bloody poop, Dr. Farhadi says.
Inflammation can make your intestines go way overboard withcramping, and that can contribute to Crohns disease pain.
For some people, Crohns disease pain can make it hard to even get out of bed.
You may not usually think of yourmouthas being part of your digestive system, but it is.
In some cases, people develop mouth sores before other Crohns symptoms2.
Chronic dehydration can become serious because your heart (and other vital organs) need water to function.
Some commonsigns of dehydrationinclude feeling really thirsty, having a dry mouth, or getting a headache.
Some less obvious signs include feeling fatigued, moody, or nauseous.
Diarrhea and its effects can also be a culprit, Dr. Philpott says.
Some people may even be scared that eating will increase the pain, Dr. Farhadi says.
Plus, many people experience nausea or even vomit, which can make food seem really unappetizing.
If this happens, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
This is known as a fistula, per the Mayo Clinic.
This reduced bile flow can cause serious itching all over your body.
Its not necessarily a cause-and-effect link and experts arent totally sure why this connection exists.
Still, its worth flagging this to your doctor, especially if you have other Crohns disease symptoms.
Do different types of Crohns disease cause different symptoms?
Heres where things get a bit more complex.
And what about IBS?
However, IBS doesnt damage your digestive tract in the way IBD does, he adds.
How do you get a Crohns disease diagnosis?
Any time you have blood in your stool, thats not normal, Dr. Higgins says.
Thats a red flag on its own and should prompt a call to your doctor.
Diagnosing Crohns disease is a detailed process that often requiresa few steps involving tests and potential procedures.
