What should you know about gastritis and Crohn's disease?

Gastritis means inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining and may cause upper-abdominal pain, nausea, indigestion or early fullness. Crohn's disease is a long-term inflammatory condition that may involve the small intestine, large intestine or other digestive areas; abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue and reduced appetite can occur. A person may have one condition, the other, or neither, because these symptoms overlap with many digestive problems. Symptoms alone cannot establish the diagnosis.

Record where pain occurs, bowel frequency and appearance, meals, vomiting, fever, fatigue and any blood. Bring the list to a GP consultation along with medicines such as anti-inflammatory painkillers, supplements and previous diagnoses. A clinician may examine you and decide whether blood tests or other investigations are appropriate. Do not stop prescribed Crohn's treatment without speaking with your care team.

Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, a swollen rigid abdomen, persistent vomiting, black or bloody stools, fainting, confusion, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange prompt review for ongoing diarrhoea, recurring pain, fever, marked fatigue or unintentional weight loss.

Ask which features suggest stomach irritation versus bowel inflammation, whether a blood test is useful, what medicines could worsen symptoms, and which changes should trigger an urgent call.