The symptoms can come on gradually, but they can also show up suddenly. And these can include diarrhea, fever, fatigue, abdominal pain and cramping, blood in your stool, mouth sores, reduced appetite and weight loss.
Crohn's disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system. Inflammation can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the back passage. But it mostly occurs in the last section of the small intestine (ileum) or the large intestine (colon).
The main symptoms of Crohn's disease are: diarrhoea – which may come on suddenly. stomach aches and cramps – most often in the lower-right part of your tummy.
One cause of Crohn's disease may be an autoimmune reaction—when your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body. Experts think bacteria in your digestive tract can mistakenly trigger your immune system. This immune system response causes inflammation, leading to symptoms of Crohn's disease.
The pain that Crohn's patients feel tends to be crampy. It often appears in the lower right abdomen but can happen anywhere along the digestive tract. “It depends on where that inflammatory process is happening,” says Nana Bernasko, DNP, gastroenterology expert with the American Gastroenterological Association.
According to Bonthala, this usually results in sudden, severe pain. Other symptoms include an inability to pass gas or keep any food or water down; it's often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. If you're experiencing these symptoms, you need medical attention immediately.
The length and frequency of a Crohn's flare are highly individual, says David S. Lee, MD, a gastroenterologist at NewYork–Presbyterian in New York City. According to Harvard Health Publishing, a flare can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Flare-ups can happen after months or years of being in remission.
According to research, the average life expectancy of an individual with Crohn's is shorter compared to those who do not have Crohn's. The average life expectancy for females is 78.4 years and for males, it is 75.5 years.
For people with Crohn's or Colitis, fatigue can be: Physical (low energy or strength, a feeling of heaviness). Mental (low motivation, concentration, or alertness). A feeling of 'brain fog'.
Missing doses or taking the medication incorrectly can result in flares of symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs include aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen - with brand names that include Aleve, Motrin, Aleve. These medications can cause flares and should generally be avoided.
Pain: In people with Crohn's disease, pain can be felt throughout the entire abdomen. Whereas with coltitis, pain is typically localized to the left area of the abdomen. Sores in the mouth or the anus occur more often in people with Crohn's disease than ulcerative colitis.
Weight gain
But Crohn's disease doesn't always cause weight loss. Sometimes, it causes the scale to go up. One study found that 40 percent of people with Crohn's had a body mass index in the overweight or obese range.
Symptoms often include diarrhea, a frequent need to move your bowels, stomach pain, and bloating (all symptoms of IBS). However, with Crohn's disease, patients also may notice things like vomiting, tiredness, weight loss, fever, or even bleeding.
Most commonly, Crohn's affects your small intestine and the beginning of your large intestine. However, the disease can affect any part of your digestive tract, from your mouth to your anus.