Crohn’s disease

Inflammation can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the back passage. But it mostly occurs in the last section of the small intestine (ileum) or the large intestine (colon).

Crohn’s disease can affect people of all ages, but it’s usually diagnosed between the age of 15 and 40.


Crohn’s disease can affect people of all ages, but it’s usually diagnosed between the age of 15 and 40.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary. They depend on which part of the digestive system is inflamed.

Common symptoms include:

recurring diarrhoea abdominal pain and cramping, which is usually worse after eating extreme tiredness (fatigue) unintended weight loss blood and mucus in your poo

You may have long periods without symptoms, or very mild symptoms. This is known as remission. This may be followed by periods where the symptoms are particularly troublesome. These are known as flare-ups or relapses.

Less common symptoms include:

a high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100°F) or above feeling sick (nausea) being sick (vomiting) joint pain and swelling (arthritis) inflammation and irritation of the eyes (uveitis) areas of painful, red and swollen skin – most often the legs mouth ulcers anal pain and discharge due to perianal Crohn’s

Children with Crohn’s disease may grow at a slower rate than expected.

Speak to your GP practice if you have: diarrhoea for more than 7 days persistent abdominal pain unexplained weight loss blood in your poo concern about your child’s development