What Are the Symptoms of Crohn's Disease?

Crohn's disease is a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which also includes conditions like ulcerative colitis and Behçet's disease. This condition arises due to an abnormal immune response, leading to inflammation in various parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including the small intestine, large intestine, and even the upper digestive system.

Common Symptoms of Crohn's Disease

The disease most commonly affects the small intestine and the area where the small intestine connects to the large intestine, known as the ileocecal region. However, it can develop anywhere along the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Typical symptoms include persistent abdominal pain, the presence of abdominal masses, fever, and significant weight loss or fatigue.

Understanding the Complications

While gastrointestinal bleeding is a possible complication, it occurs in a relatively small percentage of cases—approximately 1% to 2% of patients experience severe bleeding. The chronic, transmural inflammation characteristic of Crohn's disease can lead to perforations in the intestinal wall or other parts of the digestive tract.

Perforation and Fistula Formation

Interestingly, these perforations are often contained by surrounding tissues or adhesions, which prevents free perforation in the abdominal cavity. Despite this, fistulas—abnormal connections between organs—are a common issue. In fact, bleeding, intestinal perforation, and fistula formation are among the most frequently observed complications in individuals with Crohn's disease.