Do I Have Crohn’s Disease?

Do you have abdominal pain and cramps that usually begin after a meal (usually an hour after eating)?

Do you have persistent diarrhea that does not respond to over-the-counter (OTC) medications?

Do you feel an urgent or frequent need for bowel movements?

Do you feel as if your bowels aren’t empty after a bowel movement?

Do you have blood in your stool?

Do you have constipation?

Do you have a reduced appetite or have you lost weight?

Do you feel a lack of energy and a tendency to often feel tired?

Do you have a fever?

Do you feel pain or have drainage near or around the anus (fistula, type of perianal disease)?

Do you have large, painful sores in the mouth or feel pain behind the breastbone while swallowing?

Do you experience periods where symptoms are present (flares) and periods when you have no signs or symptoms (remission)?

Do you have any of the following conditions: skin problems, such as bumps, sores or rashes, redness or pain in the eyes or vision changes or swollen and painful joints?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the digestive tract and can affect each person differently, therefore can have various symptoms. If you have any digestive problems, the best approach is to consult your doctor and do the necessary tests.

Based on your answers, you may have Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can cause different symptoms in different people depending on which part of the GI tract is affected. This is a chronic condition with flares (periods with symptoms) and remission (periods without symptoms). There is no known cure for Crohn's disease, but adequate treatment can reduce symptoms and prolong remission so that many people with Crohn's disease can function well. Please make an appointment with your doctor to confirm a diagnosis.