What should you know about Crohn's disease?

Inflammation can affect the bowel wall and may lead to abdominal pain, diarrhoea, tiredness, reduced appetite, or weight loss. Some people also notice mouth ulcers, joint symptoms, or changes around the skin near the anus. Symptoms may settle for a time and then flare.

Crohn's disease is different from a short-lived stomach infection, although the symptoms can overlap. The location and depth of inflammation vary between people, so a symptom list cannot establish the diagnosis. A clinician considers the history, examination, blood results, and sometimes specialist tests.

Keep a record of bowel changes, pain, appetite, energy, fever, food triggers, and medicines. Arrange a GP consultation for persistent diarrhoea, repeated abdominal pain, blood in the stool, or unexplained weight loss. A blood test may help look for inflammation or anaemia, while further assessment may be needed to examine the bowel.

Take prescribed treatment consistently and discuss side effects before stopping it. During symptoms, drink enough fluid and choose foods you can tolerate; a dietitian can help if eating has become difficult. Avoid relying on restrictive diets without professional guidance.

Seek urgent help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen with vomiting, heavy rectal bleeding, fainting, confusion, high fever, or inability to keep fluids down. Contact your care team promptly when symptoms suddenly change or prescribed medicines are not controlling a flare.

Ask which features suggest Crohn's disease, which tests may clarify the cause, how to manage symptoms safely, and which warning signs require urgent review.