Crohns Disease Symptoms

Crohns Disease symptoms vary from case to case, and can range from mild GI disturbances to severe complications such as anal fissures and fistulas.

Although it most commonly affects the small intestine, it can involve any part of the gastointestinal tract. There is no known cure, but a variety of factors are thought to play a role in the onset of Crohns, including genetics, immune system strength and environmental factors.

The most common symptoms of Crohns Disease are stomach aches, frequent diarrhea, fever, rectal bleeding and fatigue. Oftentimes sufferers will lose their appetite, leading to weight loss and malnutrition.

Crohns symptoms usually come and go, with good periods where the patient is feeling fine followed by bouts of pain, diarrhea and other problems.

In the more severe cases of this inflammatory bowel disease, tears called fissures can develop in the anal lining, which can lead to further pain and rectal bleeding. Another one of the more debilitating Crohns Disease symptoms is a fistula, a tunnel-like formation joining two loops of the intestines. This could lead to pus and stool drainage.

Symptoms of Crohns Disease can also include anemia due to loss of blood in stools and inflammation.

Depending on the severity of Crohns symptoms, there are several treatment options available including prescription medications that can lessen symptoms and nutritional supplements that can ensure proper nutrition. Due to poor digestion and absorption capability, many Crohns patients are severely nutrient starved, which can lead to a host of unrelated Crohns Disease symptoms.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms of Crohns Disease, it's important to check with your physician and to make sure you are properly diagnosed. Many Crohns symptoms can actually be signs of another related illness such as ulcerative colitis.