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Contents
  • Skin Problems
  • Joint Pain and Arthritis
  • Eye Problems
  • Fatigue and Anemia

Beyond the Bathroom: Surprising Symptoms of Crohn's Disease You Might Not Expect

Beyond the Bathroom: Surprising Symptoms of Crohn's Disease You Might Not Expect

More Than Just Tummy Trouble

When most people think of Crohn's disease, they imagine frequent trips to the bathroom. But this complex condition can affect much more than just your digestive system. Understanding these lesser-known symptoms can help you get a proper diagnosis and treatment faster.
Contents
  • Skin Problems
  • Joint Pain and Arthritis
  • Eye Problems
  • Fatigue and Anemia

Skin Problems

Crohn's disease can sometimes cause skin issues. Some people develop red, tender bumps on their shins or arms, a condition called erythema nodosum. Others might experience painful sores or ulcers in their mouth. In rare cases, Crohn's can lead to a blistering rash called pyoderma gangrenosum.

Joint Pain and Arthritis

Many people with Crohn's disease experience joint pain or arthritis-like symptoms. This can range from mild aches to severe inflammation in the joints. The pain often affects large joints like knees, ankles, elbows, or wrists. Some people might even experience back pain related to their Crohn's disease.
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract, causing a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, skin issues, and joint pain.

Eye Problems

Surprisingly, Crohn's disease can affect your eyes. Some people develop uveitis, an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye wall. This can cause eye pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Other eye problems associated with Crohn's include episcleritis (inflammation of the white part of the eye) and dry eyes.

Fatigue and Anemia

Extreme tiredness is a common but often overlooked symptom of Crohn's disease. This fatigue can be due to the body's inflammatory response or because of anemia. Crohn's can interfere with your body's ability to absorb nutrients, including iron, leading to anemia. This can cause weakness, shortness of breath, and pale skin in addition to fatigue.

FAQs

Can Crohn's disease cause fever?

Yes, some people experience low-grade fevers during flares.

Is weight loss a symptom of Crohn's?

Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of Crohn's.

Can Crohn's affect your liver?

In some cases, it can cause liver complications.

Does Crohn's disease affect children differently?

Children may experience growth delays and delayed puberty.

Can Crohn's cause headaches?

Some people report increased headaches with Crohn's.

Connecting the Dots

Recognizing these diverse symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of Crohn's disease.
Experiencing unusual symptoms and wondering if they could be related to Crohn's? Discuss your concerns with Doctronic for personalized insights.
Additional References
  1. Lichtenstein GR, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline: Management of Crohn's Disease in Adults. Am J Gastroenterol. 2018;113(4):481-517.
  2. Feuerstein JD, et al. AGA Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Medical Management of Moderate to Severe Luminal and Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease. Gastroenterology. 2021;160(7):2496-2508.
  3. Vavricka SR, et al. Extraintestinal Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2015;21(8):1982-1992.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.