Chron’s Disease, Types, and Symptoms
Crohn’s disease is a chronic disease of inflammation that affects the bowel or gastrointestinal tract. It falls under the group of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
Chron’s disease is known to cause inflammation of the digestive tract. This disease can result in abdominal pain, fatigue, severe diarrhea, loss of weight, and malnutrition. The inflammation that it causes may vary in different people’s digestive tract areas and usually goes deep into the affected bowel tissue’s layers.
Crohn’s disease can be severe and sometimes may result in deadly complications. Sadly, it has no known cure; however, therapies can significantly lessen the signs and symptoms, as well as help patients achieve long-term relief.
Types of Crohn’s Disease
While different patients may experience varied symptoms of Crohn’s disease, the symptoms you may experience depends on the Crohn’s disease type you have.
Ileocolitis
Ileocolitis is the most prevalent type of Crohn’s disease. It affects the terminal ileum (end of the small intestine) and the colon (large intestine). Common symptoms include diarrhea and cramping, pain in the middle or lower region of the abdomen, and weight loss.
Ileitis
This form of Crohn’s disease affects the ileum alone. Patients may experience similar symptoms as with Ileocolitis.
Gastroduodenal Crohn’s Disease
This type affects the stomach and the duodenum (beginning of the small intestine). Vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, and weight loss are common symptoms.
Jejunoileitis
Patchy areas of inflammation in the jejunum (upper half of the small intestine) identify with this type of Chron’s disease. Symptoms may include mild to severe stomach pain, diarrhea, and cramping after meals.
Crohn’s (Granulomatous) Colitis
This type affects only the colon (large intestine). Symptoms may include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, anal cracks, abscess, ulcers, skin lesions, and joint pains.
Symptoms of Chron’s Disease
The effect of Crohn’s disease may slightly vary in different patients. But with this post, we’ll highlight the most common signs and symptoms. The symptoms experienced by a patient depend on the part of the affected gastrointestinal tract.
The chronic nature of Crohn’s disease means that patients are likely to experience flares periods (when symptoms are active), followed by remission periods (when you may not feel any symptoms at all).
While recognizing the signs of Crohn’s disease is essential, only a qualified doctor can confirm a diagnosis. Thus if you suspect you may have IBD, it is advisable to meet with your doctor for diagnosis and treatment plan.
Common symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:
Pain: The extent of pain depends on where the inflammation is in the bowel. Also, different individuals may experience varying levels of anxiety. Pain is felt mostly in the lower-right region of the stomach.
Stomach Ulcers: Ulcers may result in bleeding in areas of the gut, bleeding may cause patients to pass bloody stools.
Mouth ulcers: This is a common symptom and can be quite disturbing.
Diarrhea: May vary from mild to severe. Patients may sometimes notice blood, mucus, or pus. Patients may also pass nothing after the urge to defecate.
Fatigue: Patients may often feel exhausted, and this may be followed by fever.
Loss of Appetite: Individuals may also experience an altered appetite.
Loss of Weight: Weight loss may occur as a result of the loss of appetite.
Rectal bleeding and Anal Fissures: Cracking may occur on the skin of the anus, leading to discomfort and bleeding.
Anemia: Blood loss can cause anemia.
Other possible symptoms include:
- Arthritis
- Skin rash and inflammation
- Uveitis (eye inflammation)
- Delay in growth or sexual development of children
- Liver or bile duct inflammation
