Crohn’s disease is an IBD or inflammatory bowel disease that involves inflammation of the digestive tract. Individuals who have Crohn’s may suffer from the effects of inflammation in the lining of any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary among individuals depending in part on where the inflammation is occurring. They also vary in intensity. Some may be so mild they’re virtually undetectable. Other symptoms may be so severe; their impact becomes detrimental to the patient’s quality of life.
Crohn’s often involves a seemingly unpredictable cycle. Flare-ups may come on quickly without warning, and the relief remissions may provide, often seem as mysterious as the onset of symptoms.
If you’re concerned you or a loved one may have Crohn’s disease, consider these signs. Although symptoms do vary, these are among the most common that prompt sufferers to seek medical care for the condition.
1. Abdominal pain or cramping.
Abdominal pain in the lower right abdomen or around the navel that occurs about an hour after eating is typical of Crohn’s. Pain may be only slightly discomforting, or it may be so severe it causes nausea and vomiting.
2. Abdominal swelling.
Crohn’s disease patients may notice a grapefruit sized, shaped area of swelling and accompanying tenderness in the lower right abdomen.
3. Diarrhea or loose stools.
Some Crohn’s patients experience diarrhea or loose stools; others may experience diarrhea that alternates with constipation. Crohn’s related diarrhea often cannot be remedied with OTC medications.
4. Bloody stools.
The presence of blood in stools often signals active Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s is also associated with conditions in the perianal area that may involve bleeding, including fistulas, fissures, and hemorrhoids.
5. Weight loss.
Inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and the pain and discomfort associated with it can lead to loss of appetite. It can also drastically impact your body’s ability to absorb food and nutrients. Weight loss (and malnutrition) can occur as a result.
6. Fever.
Inflammation or infection in the gastrointestinal tract that is associated with Crohn’s may result in a low-grade fever.
7. Fatigue.
Nutritional deficiencies, the struggle involved in battling symptoms, poor or inadequate sleep, and anemia can all contribute to fatigue for Crohn’s patients. Fatigue is a very common, but often overlooked Crohn’s disease symptom.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs of Crohn’s disease, don’t wait to seek care from a naturopathic doctor. It’s possible to experience relief and to help your body heal with gentle, safe, natural therapies based on a holistic approach to medicine.
A practitioner who is trained in naturopathic medicine will undertake an in-depth, comprehensive evaluation of your health condition. With a complete understanding of any disease, dysfunctions or imbalances within your body’s systems, a custom-tailored therapeutic support plan can be developed. Working together with a naturopathic doctor, it is very likely you can achieve optimal wellness and significant, lasting improvements in your quality of life.