What are the symptoms of Crohn's disease ?

The symptoms of Crohn's disease can vary from person to person and depend on the location and severity of inflammation within the digestive tract. Common symptoms of Crohn's disease include: Abdominal pain and cramping: This is one of the most common symptoms. The pain is often located in the lower right abdomen but can occur anywhere along the digestive tract. Diarrhea: Chronic diarrhea is another common symptom. The stools may be loose, watery, and may contain blood or mucus. Weight loss: Due to reduced appetite, malabsorption of nutrients, and increased calorie expenditure from inflammation, individuals with Crohn's disease may experience unintended weight loss. Fatigue: Inflammation and the body's efforts to combat it can lead to fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell. Rectal bleeding: Inflammation in the rectum or colon can cause bleeding, which may be visible in the stool or on toilet paper. Fever: Some individuals may experience episodes of fever, particularly during periods of active inflammation. Loss of appetite: Inflammation in the digestive tract can cause a loss of appetite and a decreased desire to eat. Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms may occur, especially during flare-ups of the disease. Joint pain and swelling: Crohn's disease can cause inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Skin problems: Some individuals may develop skin conditions such as rashes, ulcers, or nodules. Eye inflammation: Inflammation may also affect the eyes, causing redness, pain, and blurred vision. It's important to note that these symptoms can also be present in other gastrointestinal conditions, so a proper medical evaluation is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. If you suspect you have Crohn's disease or are experiencing persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Does colonoscopy help to diagnose Crohn's disease ? Yes, colonoscopy is one of the diagnostic tools used to help diagnose Crohn's disease. During a colonoscopy, a flexible tube with a camera on the end (colonoscope) is inserted through the rectum and guided into the colon and sometimes the terminal ileum (the last part of the small intestine). This procedure allows the doctor to visually examine the lining of the digestive tract and identify any signs of inflammation, ulcers, or other abnormalities. Colonoscopy can provide valuable information about the extent and severity of Crohn's disease, as well as help differentiate it from other conditions with similar symptoms, such as ulcerative colitis. The doctor may also take tissue samples (biopsies) during the colonoscopy to examine under a microscope, which can help confirm the diagnosis of Crohn's disease and rule out other conditions. In addition to colonoscopy, other diagnostic tests and imaging studies may be performed to support the diagnosis of Crohn's disease, including blood tests, stool tests, imaging scans (such as an abdominal CT scan or MRI), and sometimes endoscopy procedures such as upper endoscopy or capsule endoscopy. It's important to work closely with a healthcare professional who specializes in gastroenterology to determine the most appropriate diagnostic tests based on your symptoms and medical history. There are many hospitals in Mumbai where treatment for chrohn disease is done with great success. There are specialist doctors like Dr Amit Maydeo who can help with the correct diagnosis and treatment plan for Chrohn disease. .