Crohn's disease can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. Learn how to recognize and track the symptoms of Crohn's disease.

Major Symptoms of Crohn's Disease

The most common initial symptoms of Crohn's disease are abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea. Pain usually arises at or below the navel, often in the lower right portion of the abdomen. These symptoms tend to show up after meals. Other symptoms may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Rectal bleeding
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Fatigue
• Skin tags
• Fistulas
• Sores around the anal area

Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, since a timely and correct diagnosis is crucial in getting the right treatment.

Conditions with Similar Symptoms

Sometimes, diagnosis of other conditions may be confused with Crohn's disease because of a similarity in symptoms. Conditions that can cause abdominal symptoms such as intense pain or diarrhea include:

• Ulcerative colitis
• Appendicitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Diverticulitis
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Inflammation of the gallbladder or pancreas

Additional health problems whose symptoms may mimic Crohn's disease include:

• Cysts or tumors of the ovaries or fallopian tubes
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Cancer
• Infections (such as those caused by salmonella and E. coli)
• Inflammatory diseases that affect the blood vessels supplying the intestines

Even reactions to medication like aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as Advil®* and Motrin®IB**) can produce symptoms that are consistent with Crohn's disease.

Tracking Your Symptoms

After an initial visit with your doctor, he or she may ask you to keep a written record of your symptoms to help validate a diagnosis and determine the appropriate course of treatment. For each day of the week, record the following:

• The number and quality of your bowel movements (e.g., liquid, soft, firm, bloody)
• Whether you suffer from stomach pain or cramps
• Your appetite
• Your weight
• Your temperature

Indicate when your symptoms are at their worst (e.g., after meals or when you first wake up), and rate their severity using the following scale:

0 = not severe
1 = mildly severe
2 = moderately severe
3 = severe

Remember that the information provided by this site is for general background purposes and is not intended to be used in connection with, or as a substitute for, medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your own physician about any healthcare questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to healthcare issues.

*Advil is a registered trademark of Whitehall-Robins Healthcare.
**Motrin is a registered trademark of McNeil Consumer and Specialty Pharmaceuticals.

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