How common is diarrhoea in Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease causes inflammation in the digestive tract. Inflammation in the bowel can change how fluid is absorbed and how quickly contents move through it, producing loose, urgent, or more frequent stools. Symptoms can change over time, and diarrhoea may occur with cramping, fatigue, poor appetite, or weight change. Infection, medicines, diet changes, and other bowel conditions can also trigger diarrhoea, including in someone who already has Crohn's disease.

Follow the treatment plan agreed with your gastroenterology team and do not alter prescribed medicines without advice. Record the change in bowel habit, abdominal symptoms, appetite, temperature, and any recent antibiotics or travel. Drink regularly to replace lost fluid. Contact the team that manages your Crohn's disease if diarrhoea is new, worsening, or different from your usual pattern, as they may need to check for a flare or infection.

Get urgent medical care for severe or increasing abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, blood in stool, black stool, persistent vomiting, fainting, confusion, or dehydration. Prompt assessment is also needed if you cannot keep fluids down or feel markedly weak. These symptoms need attention regardless of whether diarrhoea is part of your usual Crohn's disease.

Ask whether the change could be inflammation, infection, or a medicine effect; whether stool or blood tests are needed; and what signs should prompt same-day contact. Share the pattern of your symptoms and every medicine or supplement you use.