IBS and Crohn's disease: what to know

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel condition that can affect different parts of the digestive tract. Symptoms may include ongoing diarrhoea, abdominal pain, urgency, fatigue, reduced appetite, fever, or blood in stool. IBS causes altered bowel habits and abdominal pain without the same inflammatory process. Symptoms alone cannot distinguish them reliably, and having abdominal pain or diarrhoea does not mean a person has Crohn's disease. The course, examination, and tests help clarify the picture.

Arrange a GP consultation if diarrhoea or abdominal pain continues, returns frequently, wakes you at night, or affects food intake and daily life. Bring a record of stool changes, pain location, urgency, fever, weight change, medicines, travel, and family history. A blood test may help look for inflammation or anaemia, but further tests may be needed. Do not start restrictive diets or anti-inflammatory medicines without clinical advice.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, a rigid or markedly swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, dehydration, high fever, faintness, or significant blood in stool. Prompt review is also appropriate for ongoing symptoms with unexplained weight loss or marked weakness.

Ask which features make inflammatory bowel disease more or less likely, whether a blood test is appropriate, and what follow-up is needed if symptoms continue. Ask what changes should prompt urgent contact.