Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic (long-term) conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract, which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum, and anus. The two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both known for causing lasting and recurring symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue.
IBD symptoms often come and go in cycles (flare-ups). During a flare, inflammation in the digestive tract worsens, usually due to triggers like stress, infection, or certain foods. Flares are typically followed by periods of remission, when they improve or disappear temporarily.
Common IBD symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Chronic or recurring diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus
- Urgent or frequent bowel movements
- Fatigue or low energy
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss without trying
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Some people also experience symptoms outside of the digestive tract, known as extraintestinal symptoms. These may include:
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Skin rashes
- Eye inflammation, such as redness, pain, or blurred vision
- Anemia (low red blood cell count), often due to chronic blood loss or poor nutrient absorption
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, as digestive system conditions, share some similarities. However, the two conditions affect different areas of the digestive tract and do so in distinct ways. Crohn’s disease affects multiple parts of the body, while ulcerative colitis only affects one, and symptoms can widely vary for both.
Crohn’s Disease Symptoms
Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the mouth to the anus, though it most commonly involves the small intestine and large intestine. Inflammation from Crohn’s disease can penetrate deep into the intestinal walls, leading to tissue damage and symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain and cramping, often in the lower right side (though it can occur anywhere)
- Persistent diarrhea
- Urgent bowel movements
- Tenesmus, which is the feeling of needing to go to the bathroom even when you don’t need to
- Rectal bleeding
- Mouth sores
- Fatigue or low energy
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Unintentional weight loss
Some people with Crohn’s disease also experience symptoms that affect parts of the body outside of the digestive tract. These may include:
- Eye pain, redness, or vision changes
- Joint pain or swelling
- Night sweats
- Changes in the menstrual cycle
- Fever
- Skin rashes or red, tender bumps
Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms
Ulcerative colitis is the most common form of IBD. It only affects the large intestine and rectum, causing inflammation and ulcers(open sores) in the innermost lining of the bowel.
Ulcerative colitis symptoms may include:
- Bloody diarrhea or stools (poop) with mucus
- Frequent and urgent bowel movements
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Gurgling or bubbling sounds in the abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
People with ulcerative colitis may also experience extraintestinal symptoms that affect other parts of the body, such as:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Anemia
- Eye pain or irritation
- Joint pain and swelling
- Skin bumps or ulcers
IBD can develop at any age, including during childhood. More than 100,000 children and young adults under the age of 20 in the United States live with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
While symptoms in children are similar to those in adults, IBD can also affect a child’s growth and development. Common IBD symptoms in children include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Frequent diarrhea
- Bloody stool
- Fever without an apparent cause
- Nausea
- Poor appetite or refusal to eat
- Delayed growth or puberty
- Fatigue or low energy
- Weight loss or poor weight gain
- Skin rashes
- Mouth sores
- Frequent infections or illnesses
- Joint pain or swelling
- Eye irritation or pain
It’s common to experience occasional digestive symptoms, such as diarrhea or an upset stomach. However, if you experience IBD symptoms that last more than a few days, such as abdominal pain, frequent diarrhea, or bloody stools, it’s important to check in with a doctor.
IBD can worsen over time without proper treatment. Getting an early diagnosis and starting treatment can help control symptoms, reduce inflammation, and protect your long-term health.
In some cases, IBD-related inflammation can lead to serious complications. Seek immediate medical care if you have:
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- A high fever along with other IBD symptoms
- Large amounts of blood in your stool
- Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, causes ongoing inflammation in the digestive tract and leads to recurring symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Many people also experience symptoms outside the gut, such as joint pain, eye irritation, fatigue, and skin rashes. If you have symptoms that last more than a few days, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.
