What should you know about colitis Crohn's disease?

Colitis and Crohn's disease are not interchangeable terms: Crohn's disease can inflame any part of the digestive tract and needs individual assessment. Colitis describes inflammation of the colon, while Crohn's disease may affect the small bowel, colon, or areas between the mouth and anus. A person can have abdominal pain or diarrhoea for many reasons, so symptoms alone do not establish Crohn's disease.

Crohn's disease may present with recurring abdominal pain, diarrhoea, urgency, tiredness, reduced appetite, or weight loss. Some people also have mouth ulcers, joint symptoms, or skin and eye changes. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can review the pattern, medicines, family history, and examination findings. Blood tests may look for anaemia or inflammation, while stool tests and bowel imaging or endoscopy may be considered when appropriate.

Record stool frequency and appearance, pain location, urgency, fever, food changes, and any weight change. Keep fluids available if diarrhoea is present and choose foods you tolerate while arranging assessment. Do not start or stop anti-inflammatory or anti-diarrhoeal medicines without advice if you have blood in stool or significant pain. A [Blood Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/blood-test/) may be one part of the assessment. Once diagnosed, treatment is tailored to the affected area and current activity.

Seek urgent medical care for severe or increasing abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen with vomiting, heavy or repeated rectal bleeding, faintness, confusion, high fever, or inability to keep fluids down. Prompt review is also needed for ongoing diarrhoea, dehydration symptoms, or a noticeable decline in eating and strength.

Ask which findings make Crohn's disease more or less likely, which tests should come first, how to manage fluids and food during symptoms, and which warning signs require same-day help.