Crohn’s disease symptoms and treatment vary depending on what’s causing your symptoms and how severe they are for you. This disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn’s disease causes your digestive tract to become swollen and irritated. If you have the disease, you might experience symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and rectal bleeding.
Crohn’s disease can affect any part of your small or large intestine, and it can involve multiple segments of your intestine. In some cases, the disease is confined to the colon, which is part of the large intestine. Mild to severe Crohn’s disease symptoms are possible. The symptoms usually develop gradually, but sometimes suddenly appear without warning. There may also be periods without symptoms.
When the disease is active, symptoms may include:
People with severe Crohn’s Disease may also experience:
See your doctor if you have persistent changes in your bowel habits or if you have any of the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, such as:
Certain factors may increase your risk of developing Crohn’s Disease, including:
Your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of these treatments for Crohn’s disease:
Antibiotics
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Immune system suppressors
Biologics
Other medications
Most people with Crohn’s disease first see a doctor because of ongoing diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, or belly cramping. To find the cause of your symptoms, your doctor may order one or more of these tests: