WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

While only testing can confirm that you have something as serious as Crohn’s, there are tell-tale signs that you might have the disease. Again, they’re subtle, so talking to a medical professional and running down the list of problems may be your ticket to a diagnosis.

Here are the signs to watch for:

1)     Abdominal pain. Crohn’s usually occurs in the lower right bowel area and may start as a dull ache that eventually grows. Because it usually happens after eating, most people attribute the problem to their eating habits. Particularly if the pain doesn’t subside after a few hours, it may be time to have the symptom checked. You won’t be viewed as a chronic complainer if you visit and there’s no issue. Doctors deal with possibilities, and they’ll be glad you trusted them enough to seek their opinion.

2)    Excessive fatigue – We live in a world where work, school, activities, social life and a hundred other day-to-day chores eat up enormous amounts of time. We’re all tired, but because Crohn’s disease blocks vital nutrients, it can leave you severely tired. If you haven’t increased your activity to a great degree and find yourself lagging, you may have something else going on.

3)    Fever – Most fevers are a reaction to something going on in your body. If you have a persistent temperature, it’s a sign that the immune system is trying to fight something. Your doctor can go through the checklist and eliminate likely causes.