Symptoms of Crohn's Disease

Pain in the abdomen and chronic diarrhea are common symptoms of Crohn's disease. Other symptoms can include constipation, weight loss, rectal bleeding, and fever. Some people only experience Crohn's disease symptoms every now and then, while others have symptoms on a regular basis. In addition, children can experience slightly different symptoms than adults.

Symptoms of Crohn's Disease: An Overview

The most common symptoms of Crohn's disease are abdominal (stomach) pain, often in the lower-right part of the abdomen, and chronic diarrhea, which can be bloody. Diarrhea is a more common symptom of Crohn's disease that affects the colon. Bleeding may be bad enough to cause anemia or an unhealthy, low level of iron in the blood.
 
In addition, other symptoms of Crohn's disease may include:
 
  • Abdominal (stomach) cramps
  • Low-grade fever
  • Decreased appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Pain, sores, and/or bleeding in or around the anus
  • Anal fissures, which are tears or cracks in the lining of the anus.
 
With Crohn's disease, problems can also occur outside of the intestines. Some of these include:
 
  
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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