If you have Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel condition. Symptoms can come in flares, followed by quieter periods, and they vary according to the area affected. A person with Crohn's disease may have abdominal pain, loose stools, urgency, weight change, or mouth sores. A symptom does not by itself confirm the condition; infections, food intolerance, medicines, and other bowel problems can overlap. Assessment may include your history, an examination, blood tests, stool tests, and sometimes specialist investigations.

Arrange a GP consultation if symptoms are persistent, recurrent, or affecting eating, sleep, work, or daily activities. Keep a simple record of bowel changes, pain, fever, food triggers, and medicines. Drink regularly, choose foods you can tolerate, and avoid stopping prescribed treatment without advice. Your clinician can discuss a blood test and whether referral to a gastroenterology team is appropriate.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen with repeated vomiting, heavy rectal bleeding, fainting, confusion, or inability to keep fluids down. Contact a clinician promptly if diarrhoea is persistent, you have a high fever, or you are becoming unusually weak or dehydrated.

Ask which tests are needed, how to recognise a flare, what symptoms should trigger urgent help, and whether any medicines, foods, or supplements could be worsening your symptoms.