Crohn’s disease (CD) is a condition that causes chronic inflammation within the digestive tract. Open sores (ulcers) may develop anywhere along this tract, from the mouth to the anus. Ulcers form most often in the intestines.

Patients with CD may experience the following:

• Chronic diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping
• Abdominal pain
• Blood in the stool
• Fever
• Elevated white blood cell count
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss (unexplained)
• Foul-smelling stools

When abdominal pain occurs, it is frequently felt in the lower right-hand side of the abdomen. This is where the last portion of the small intestine (ileum) and the first portion of the large intestine (cecum) meet – the location of ileocolitis, the most common type of CD.  Abdominal pain associated with CD may range from mildly uncomfortable to severe. It may be confused with appendicitis, which involves pain that may occur in the same area. A physician should be consulted for an accurate diagnosis.

Diarrhea is often accompanied by a loss of control over bowel movements (fecal incontinence). This is because it is harder to keep loose or liquid stool in the rectum than hard stool, leading to the involuntary release of rectum contents. For patients with CD, this can mean numerous trips to the bathroom throughout the day, as well as potential soiling.

Additional signs of CD include dehydration and anemia. Chronic diarrhea can cause the loss of too much water and salt with stool, leading to dehydration. Bleeding caused by ulcers in the gastrointestinal lining can lead to the loss of too much blood, causing anemia.

Other areas of the body may be affected by CD, including:

• Eyes and vision. The eyes may become swollen or red, and vision may become blurred.
  
  
• Mouth. Sores in the mouth may appear.
  
  
• Joints. Joint pain can occur, with or without accompanying swelling and redness.
  
  
• Skin. Rashes or sores may appear on the skin, particularly in the lower legs (erythema nodosum).
  
  
• Liver and biliary system. Inflammation of the liver or bile ducts, and gallstones or kidney stones may also develop.
  

  

• Bones. Osteoporosis, a condition that causes weak, brittle bones, can occur in patients who have had CD for a long time.