Why does Crohn's disease cause abdominal pain?

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory condition that can affect any part of the digestive tract. Inflamed bowel tissue is sensitive and can swell. The muscles of the gut may then contract more forcefully to move food and stool along, causing cramps. Pain can occur around the lower abdomen or elsewhere depending on the area involved.

Abdominal Pain is a common presentation of Crohn's Disease. Its pattern can change during a flare, with pain after meals, bloating, diarrhoea, nausea or reduced appetite. Scar tissue or severe swelling can narrow part of the bowel and needs clinical attention.

Follow your prescribed Crohn's treatment plan and tell your care team when pain changes from your usual pattern. Record the location, timing, relation to meals and bowel changes. During a flare, choose fluids and foods you tolerate and avoid becoming dehydrated.

Do not start anti-inflammatory pain medicines such as ibuprofen without checking with the clinician managing your Crohn's disease, because they may irritate the digestive tract. A clinician can advise on safer pain relief and whether treatment for inflammation needs adjustment.

Contact your care team promptly for increasing pain, a new lump or swelling in the abdomen, fever, vomiting, or a marked change in bowel habit. Seek urgent care for severe constant pain, a rigid abdomen, repeated vomiting, fainting, or inability to pass stool or gas. These signs can indicate a complication needing rapid assessment.

Does this pain fit a flare or could narrowing, infection or another cause be involved? What pain relief is appropriate with my current medicines? Which changes in eating or hydration should I make while symptoms are active?