The Hidden Symptoms of Crohn’s

When you think about Crohn’s disease, there are usually a few things that come to mind. Usually the stereotypical symptoms like diarrhea and weight loss are the things that people think of, but there are many other symptoms that go under the radar. If Crohn’s symptoms are an iceberg, diarrhea and weight loss are just the tip.

Physical Symptoms

Abdominal pain/cramps

A common side effect that can be caused by inflammation, strictures, or food sensitivity.

Chronic diarrhea

Inflammation in the digestive tract can lead to poor absorption of food and watery stool.

Rectal bleeding

Often stem from fissures or fistulas in the digestive tract.

Ulcers

The immune system attacks the digestive tract, leading to open sores.

Fistulas

Abnormal connections in the digestive tract due to chronic inflammation. Often from the intestine or rectum to the skin.

Abscesses

Caused by swelling that goes through the wall of your digestive tract and fills with pus.

Joint Pain

Swelling, pain or stiffness in the joints caused by inflammation.

Inflammation

The immune system mistakenly attacks the digestive tract. Leads to loads of other complications.

Rashes

Red bumpy patches are common in patients. Usually caused by inflammation or nutritional deficiencies.

Weight loss

Chronic inflammation and malnutrition can lead to weight loss, sometimes severe weight loss.

Eye issues

Chronic inflammation in the eyes can lead to issues like dry eye syndrome, redness, uveitis, episcleritis, and scleritis,

Other Symptoms

Fever

Usually points to other symptoms like abscesses or infections in Crohn’s patients.

Nausea

Common when experiencing abdominal cramps or pain.

Malnutrition

Inflammation in the digestive tract can cause the body to digest the food poorly, and the body to lack the nutrients it needs.

Anemia

Very common due to chronic blood loss and malnutrition.

Stress and anxiety

Patients with Crohn’s are twice as likely to develop an anxiety disorder. The gut-brain connection plays a large role in this.

Depression

Patients are at a higher risk of developing depression due to the stress and complications of the disease.

Body image issues

Weight loss, anemia, anxiety and fatigue are just a few of the contributors of body image issues.

Fatigue

Roughly 70% of patients experience fatigue. Usually due to nutritional deficiencies, anemia, and chronic inflammation.

Mental impairment

Patients report attention issues, brain fog and trouble focusing.

Sleep problems

Many patients don’t get the sleep they need due to complications with the disease.