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Crohn's Disease Symptoms

Crohn's disease is intermittent. This means that the inflammation occurs (flares) without warning and then goes away (goes into remission) over time. It is impossible to predict when the condition will flare, how long the flare will last, and when it will flare again. Most people feel pretty well when their disease is not active.

The most common symptoms in Crohn's disease are those related to the inflammatory damage to the digestive tract.

• Diarrhea - Waxes and wanes; stool may contain mucus, blood, or pus
  
• Pain in the abdomen - Crampy or steady; in the right lower part of the abdomen or around the belly button; often relieved temporarily by having a bowel movement
  
• Bloating after eating - Less common, usually seen in cases of bowel obstruction
  
• Constipation - Usually seen in cases of bowel obstruction
  
• Pain or bleeding with bowel movement
  
• Infection of the urinary tract or vagina - Suggests a fistula from the intestinal tract
  

General symptoms occur in some but not all cases.

• Low-grade fevers
  
• Weight loss
  
• Fatigue
  

Other symptoms of Crohn's disease may be attributable to related medical conditions affecting the skin, joints, mouth, eyes, liver, and bile ducts.