What to expect from a GP consultation for Crohn's disease

Your GP may ask about diarrhoea, abdominal pain, blood or mucus in stool, urgency, weight change, appetite, fatigue and symptoms around the anus. They may ask about flare patterns, family history, smoking, recent travel, food triggers and medicines, including anti-inflammatory painkillers. The examination may include your abdomen, temperature, pulse and signs of dehydration or anaemia. Blood or stool tests can help look for inflammation, infection and effects on general health; a GP may refer you to a gastroenterology team for further assessment when Crohn's disease is suspected or symptoms are difficult to control.

Keep a short record of stool frequency, urgency, pain, bleeding, weight change and foods or medicines that seem relevant. Bring a complete medicine list and tell the GP about supplements. Ask before stopping prescribed treatment. Drink fluids, especially when diarrhoea is present, and follow specific advice about testing samples. If you already have Crohn's disease, bring details of your care plan and explain what is different from your usual symptoms.

Seek urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen with vomiting, heavy rectal bleeding, fainting, confusion or signs of severe dehydration. Prompt review is also needed for persistent fever, inability to keep fluids down or a sudden change from your established bowel pattern. These symptoms can signal a complication or another illness and should not be assessed by symptom frequency alone.

Ask which tests are appropriate, whether infection needs excluding, how to manage symptoms while waiting for results, and what would make a specialist referral urgent. If you have a diagnosis, ask how to recognise a flare and which medicines or pain relievers should be avoided.