Crohn's disease - Symptoms

Symptoms-Crohn's disease




Without treatment, symptoms of Crohn's disease can be constant or may come and go every few weeks or months.
When the symptoms come back, it's called a flare-up or relapse. The periods between flare-ups are called remission.

Common symptoms

The main symptoms of Crohn's disease are:
  • diarrhoea – which may come on suddenly
  • stomach aches and cramps – most often in the lower-right part of your tummy
  • blood in your poo
  • tiredness (fatigue)
  • weight loss
You might not have all these symptoms.

Other symptoms

Some people with Crohn's disease also have:
  • a high temperature (fever)
  • feeling and being sick
  • joint pains
  • sore, red eyes
  • patches of painful, red and swollen skin – usually on the legs
  • mouth ulcers
Children with Crohn's disease may grow more slowly than usual.

When to see a GP

See a GP if you or your child have:
  • blood in your poo
  • diarrhoea for more than 7 days
  • frequent stomach aches or cramps
  • lost weight for no reason, or your child isn't growing as fast as you'd expect
A GP will try to find out what's causing your symptoms and may refer you for tests to check for Crohn's disease.