SIGNS and SYMPTOMS of IBD
The symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease depend largely on what part of your digestive tract is affected. People experience different symptoms depending on whether they have Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, or Ulcerative Proctitis. However, many of these all-too-familiar and not-so-pleasant symptoms are common to multiple forms of IBD as you will see below.
SYMPTOMS of CROHN’S DISEASE
The most common symptoms of Crohn’s Disease are...
Abdominal Pain
Diarrhea (with or without blood)
Vomiting
Fever
Loss of appetite / weight loss
Fatigue / tiredness
Other associated conditions may include…
Pain and inflammation in your joints
Mouth sores
Fissures (little tears right at the anus that cause bleeding and pain, especially when you’re going to the bathroom)
The bigger complications (problems which occur secondary to the actual disease) include…
Obstruction – This is the most common complication of Crohn’s Disease. The bowel may becomes thickened and very narrow because of active inflammation or scar tissue, making it difficult for food to pass. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, crampy pain, and bloating.
Fistulas – These are tunnels that form from sick parts of your bowel to other loops of bowel, nearby organs, or the outside of your body. Often these occur near the anus and may drain fluids. The size, location, and number of fistulas will determine how they are treated.
Abscess – An abscess is an infection that results in a collection of pus near the intestine. These may cause tenderness, pain, and fever. They may need to be drained by a surgeon or radiologist.
Nutritional Deficiencies – These most commonly occur when Crohn’s goes untreated for a long time. Vitamins, calories, and protein can be supplemented if needed and will correct specific deficiencies.
SYMPTOMS of ULCERATIVE COLITIS
The most common symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis are…
Diarrhea (often with blood)
Abdominal Pain
Fever
Loss of appetite / weight loss
Fatigue / tiredness
Other associated conditions may include…
Pain and inflammation in your joints
Complications of UC are rare, but may include…
Severe bleeding
Perforation of the bowel (rupturing)
Toxic Megacolon – This is severe abdominal distention (bloating) associated with fever and constipation. If toxic megacolon cannot be controlled with medication, surgery is needed to prevent rupturing of the colon.
SYMPTOMS of ULCERATIVE PROCTITIS
The most common symptoms of Ulcerative Proctitis are…
Rectal Bleeding
Tenesmus (feeling like you have to go to the bathroom even if you don’t)
Diarrhea and/or constipation may occur
Pain