Health's Book

Definition

Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It usually affects the intestines, but may occur anywhere from the mouth to the end of the rectum (anus).

See also: Ulcerative colitis

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on what part of the gastrointestinal tract is affected. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and can come and go with periods of flare-ups.

The main symptoms of Crohn's disease are:

* Crampy abdominal (belly area) pain
* Fever
* Fatigue
* Loss of appetite
* Pain with passing stool (tenesmus)
* Persistent, watery diarrhea
* Unintentional weight loss

Other symptoms may include:

* Constipation
* Eye inflammation
* Fistulas (usually around the rectal area, may cause draining of pus, mucus, or stools)
* Joint pain
* Liver inflammation
* Mouth ulcers
* Rectal bleeding and bloody stools
* Skin rash
* Swollen gums