Warning signs that you have Crohn's Disease

BALTIMORE - Crohn's disease, or Inflammatory Bowel Disease, is often misdiagnused. Here are some warning symptoms from the Mayo Clinic that might help you get a diagnosis and relief sooner:

Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease can range from mild to severe and may develop gradually or come on suddenly, without warning. You may also have periods of time when you have no signs or symptoms (remission). When the disease is active, signs and symptoms may include:

Diarrhea. The inflammation that occurs in Crohn's disease causes cells in the affected areas of your intestine to secrete large amounts of water and salt. Because the colon can't completely absorb this excess fluid, you develop diarrhea. Intensified intestinal cramping also can contribute to loose stools. Diarrhea is the most common problem for people with Crohn's.

Abdominal pain and cramping. Inflammation and ulceration may cause the walls of portions of your bowel to swell and eventually thicken with scar tissue. This affects the normal movement of contents through your digestive tract and may lead to pain and cramping. Mild Crohn's disease usually causes slight to moderate intestinal discomfort, but in more-serious cases, the pain may be severe and include nausea and vomiting.

Blood in your stool. Food moving through your digestive tract may cause inflamed tissue to bleed, or your bowel may also bleed on its own. You might notice bright red blood in the toilet bowl or darker blood mixed with your stool. You can also have bleeding you don't see (occult blood).

Ulcers. Crohn's disease can cause small sores on the surface of the intestine that eventually become large ulcers that penetrate deep into — and sometimes through — the intestinal walls. You may also have ulcers in your mouth similar to canker sores.

Reduced appetite and weight loss. Abdominal pain and cramping and the inflammatory reaction in the wall of your bowel can affect both your appetite and your ability to digest and absorb food.

People with severe Crohn's disease may also experience:
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Arthritis
• Eye inflammation
• Skin disorders
• Inflammation of the liver or bile ducts
• Delayed growth or sexual development, in children

According to the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Web site, "It is important to call your doctor if you see blood in the stool, have a change in bowel habits that last more than 10 days, or if you have any of the following symptoms that do not improve with over-the-counter medicines."

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