Recognized as a serious kind of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease has a number of uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms. The cause of the disease is not yet known, although research studies suggest that heredity and general immune health may be at fault. Cigarette smoke has also been linked to the disorder, as it has to a number of other illnesses around the world; if not as a direct cause then as a trigger for the symptoms.
Crohn's disease affects the end of the small intestine, thins the bowel wall, and can spread throughout the intestinal tract, right up to the mouth.
Stomach Pain and Digestive Troubles:
One of the first noticeable symptoms of this disease is intestinal or abdominal pain and digestive issues. Diarrhea, gassiness, constipation, and cramping often ensue, and are untreatable by standard over the counter medications. The stomach upset can cause irregular bleeding from the anus, vomiting, and other physical reactions.
Those who suffer from the disease report tearing of the anal walls, a feeling of not being able to fully relieve their bowels, and an inability to control bowel evacuation.
Fever and Fatigue:
Due to the nature of the disease, it can leave you feeling completely worn out, fatigued, and weak. Some patients will experience flu like symptoms, such as fevers, night sweats, and nausea. In women, normal hormonal milestones, such as a menstrual period, may be interrupted, or skipped entirely.
Weight Loss:
If you begin to lose weight without any apparent reason, and find that your appetite is diminishing, there could be reason to suspect Crohn's disease. Inflammation of the bowel cannot only cause you to feel less hungry, it can also make it difficult for your body to properly digest food. Without the ability to digest meals, your body will find it difficult to absorb nutrients, and you could become malnourished.
Sores:
Sores are common in the mouth and the anus when Crohn's disease is present. Perianal disease due to fistula inflammation can cause the anus to become sore and bleed. Similarly, ulcers may begin to form inside of your mouth. Your doctor can treat both of these symptoms, to ease pain and reduce further infections, but there is no overall cure for the disease.
To test for the presence of the disease, your doctor will take blood and fecal tests. Most physicians will try and rule out the disease as something else before beginning the testing process. Due to the number of symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, it is sometimes misdiagnosed as another disorder with inflammation as a leading sign or symptom. Treating the disease involves medication, or sometimes the surgical removal of a portion of the intestine. For many, this is completely manageable, but it can become serious if it goes untreated.
If you are concerned about the possibility of having Crohn's disease and are displaying one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Diagnosing this disease early can greatly increase the success of treatments, and lessen many of the symptoms before permanent damage is done to the intestines.