Crohn’s disease is an incurable, chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It often takes time to diagnose because symptoms are not always immediately associated with the disease. We explain which 4 signs you can recognize Crohn’s disease.
Crohn’s disease, together with ulcerative colitis, is one of the most common chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), from which it is estimated that more than 400,000 people in Germany suffer. The causes of Crohn’s disease are still unclear, but it is believed that genetic predisposition plays a role. Disorders of the immune system and infections could also be the trigger. The disease is often discovered late because the symptoms are not always associated with it. Since those affected have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, early diagnosis is important. We explain when you should see a doctor.
Table of Contents
Crohn’s disease: 4 signs of bowel disease
1. Abdominal pain and cramps
Are you suffering from abdominal pain or abdominal cramps? This is no reason to worry at first, because these can also be caused by harmless causes such as flatulence. However, if the symptoms persist over a longer period of time and occur without any recognizable cause, the pain can also indicate an illness. Abdominal pain is one of the first signs of Crohn’s disease – in the case of the disease, it usually occurs in the lower right abdomen.
2. Diarrhea
The cause of short-term diarrhea is usually a gastrointestinal flu, with which those affected are usually infected by bacteria via a smear infection. In this case, however, the diarrhea and other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting only last for a few days. If the diarrhea keeps coming back, you should consult a doctor, because in addition to Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome or a food intolerance can also be behind it.
3. Bloating
Bloating is uncomfortable and is often caused by a high-fiber diet. In particular, certain foods such as raw vegetables or legumes ensure that more air collects in our intestines, which is transported out through increased farting. However, the intestinal winds can also indicate Crohn’s disease or another chronic inflammatory bowel disease: The disease can cause constrictions in the intestinal cavity, causing disturbances in the gastrointestinal movement, which in turn cause pain.
Also interesting: flatulence as a sign of disease >>
4. Fever
Fever is always a sign that something is wrong in our body. Because if there are viruses, bacteria or inflammatory substances in the body, it reacts by raising the body temperature. Due to the increased temperature, more white blood cells are produced, which our immune system needs to defend itself against pathogens. In addition to a general feeling of illness, Crohn’s disease often causes fever, which is caused by the inflammation in the intestines.
