Crohn’s disease is identified as an inflammatory bowel condition. It is difficult to diagnose as it can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract (mouth to anus). Inflammation along the digestive tract can hinder the normal process, causing discomfort as it penetrates into the deep layers of the affected area. Patients do not show any symptoms in the initial stage. However, depending on the affected part of the digestive tract, the following symptoms are exhibited.

Abdominal pain or cramps
This is the most common yet painful symptom of the disease. Patients with this condition often experience pain within an hour after a meal. This pain is centered in the navel and around the lower abdominal region. Slight swelling or bloating could also occur. Abdominal pain or cramps in Crohn’s disease occurs due to the inflammation in parts of the intestine. The affected person must consult a doctor before the situation progresses.

Persistent diarrhea
Crohn/s disease affects the lower end of the small intestines, called as the ileum. This part functions by absorbing the bile acids that are created by the body to absorb fats. Due to inflammation, the process is hindered and the unabsorbed fats stored in the body result in severe diarrhea. Blood in the stool could also result from bleeding in the intestine.

Nausea and vomiting
Due to inflammation, the walls of the digestive tract might get thick over a period of time. This results in that area becoming obstructed or narrow, making it difficult for food to pass through, leading to nausea or vomiting in some patients. These symptoms, if persistent, can also cause dehydration, dental problems, and headaches.

Loss of appetite
A loss of appetite or fear and reluctance to eat is most often the result of the symptoms listed above. As patients experience abdominal discomfort or diarrhea, they lose their appetite and consume less than normal. It further affects physical health., leading to fatigue.

Mouth ulcers
Ulcers in the mouth are also signs of this condition, and, in some cases, they can develop a few years before experiencing intestinal signs of Crohn’s disease. Also known as canker sores, they most often develop around the base of the gums. They are caused due to inflammation and the deficiency of certain minerals and vitamins in the body. These ulcers also make eating difficult as they are extremely painful.

Fever
In most cases, a fever indicates an infection in the body. In Crohn’s disease, patients might develop a low-grade fever due to the inflamed intestines or an infection caused by the condition. If a person experiences fever along with the other listed symptoms, it is recommended to consult a physician.

Fatigue
Another common and early sign of this health condition is fatigue. This feeling can be described as extreme tiredness that does not get better even after resting. This occurs due to insufficient red blood cells in the body, which is also a causal factor for anemia in patients with Crohn’s disease. This deficiency of red blood cells is due to the bleeding in the intestines or the area affected by Crohn’s disease.

Small red bumps on the skin
This is a common symptom that has been observed in patients with irritable bowel diseases such as Crohn’s or autoimmune conditions. These small red or purple spots, which might be itchy, result from inflammation in the blood vessels. In some cases, these spots might disappear on their own whereas, in others, treatment would be required.

Pain in the joints
Pain in the joints is commonly referred to as arthritis. However, arthritis that is associated with Crohn’s disease is a bit different from usual as it affects younger patients. The most common type is peripheral arthritis, in which the joints of the wrists, hips, and elbows are affected. Joint pain starts along with bowel and abdominal discomfort.

Eye problems
Most of the signs of Crohn’s disease are related to the digestive tract. However, the condition can also affect other parts of the body, like the eye. As reports suggest, 10% of Crohn’s patients had problems with their eyes before reporting issues with their digestive system. This is because the tissues of the eye are similar to other parts of the body and are extremely sensitive. Some indicators of Crohn’s disease include redness, pain, watery eyes, and spots in the sclera (white part of the eye). Consult an optician to devise a diagnostic and treatment plan.

Growth issues
It has been found that most people diagnosed with Crohn’s disease are between 15 and 30 years of age. Hence, in children, along with the above-mentioned early symptoms of this health condition, another warning is delayed growth. This could be due to the body’s inability to absorb sufficient nutrients from the food eaten due to intestinal inflammation.

Also, note that the listed signs and symptoms could be indicators of other health conditions, and they may differ from one patient to another. For a proper diagnosis and treatment, it would be best to contact a local healthcare expert at soon as the symptoms are experienced. If the condition is left untreated, the symptoms can progress, leading to further complications.