Inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis are fast becoming the most commonly diagnosed conditions. In this article, we will be taking a comprehensive look at Crohn’s disease and the symptoms that you will experience when you suffer from this condition. You can also click here for more from Authority Health, the best source for all your health-related queries.
What Is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory condition that is usually found in the colon and small intestine. Certain people may find that only their colon or small intestine are affected, however, other people may find that the condition affects their entire digestive system. This condition is not the same in any two patients and some people may only experience mild symptoms while others are severely affected. The majority of individuals who suffer from this experience find that their symptoms develop gradually over an extended period of time while others experience a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Another feature of this inflammatory bowel condition is that the majority of individuals who suffer from it will go into remission. Remission is a period of time where you will not experience any symptoms over an extended period of time. Unfortunately, the majority of people who suffer from this condition will experience symptoms of Crohn’s disease again after a period of remission.
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
Diarrhea and loose stool
The frequency and consistency of your bowel movements are an important factor of Crohn’s disease. Individuals who suffer from a mild or moderate case of Crohn’s Disease will have approximately four to six bowel movements in a single day. Additionally, these stools will probably be loose because individuals who have Crohn’s disease will produce more salt and water in response to the inflammation making stools that are loose and watery.
Abdominal and intestinal cramps
Due to inflammation in your digestive system, you will experience intense pain and discomfort when the contents of your stomach move through the digestive system. Additionally, when your digestive system is inflamed the muscles in your intestinal walls are more likely to cramp and spasm during the digestive process.
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach aches, vomiting, acid reflux and reduced appetite when you suffer from Crohn’s disease are often a result of scar tissue in your digestive system. This scar tissue adds to the swelling and inflammation in your digestive system which blocks the passage of food through your intestines. As the food is blocked in your digestive system you will feel more nauseous and you may even vomit.
Bloody stool
When you suffer from Crohn’s Disease, the process of digestion can be incredibly painful. The movement of food through inflamed intestines causes additional inflammation and may even cause bleeding. Blood may not always be easy to identify in your stool. However, if you notice dark black stools it is highly likely that there is blood present in your stool.
Fever and fatigue
The majority of people who suffer from Crohn’s disease will often experience a low-grade fever on a daily basis. This is because the inflammation causes infection over an extended period of time. Additionally, a body that has to fight off infection on a daily basis will leave you feeling tired and exhausted.
Mouth Sores
Individuals who suffer from Crohn’s disease will often experience canker sores in their mouths and ulcers in their small intestines. This is because your body needs to fight off inflammation. When your body battles against inflammation on a daily basis your immune system is no longer able to function at an optimum level.
Reduced appetite
When you suffer from an inflammatory bowel disease you will often experience a significant reduction in your appetite. The abdominal pain and inflammation can make it feel like it is impossible to eat. As a result of a reduced appetite you will also notice that it becomes more difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
Fistulas
A fistula is often a sign that something is not right in your digestive system. This painful condition occurs when there is an abnormal connection between your internal organs that causes food particles to move to your colon before they have been digested properly.
