Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms

Quick Glance: Common Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms

Some common signs and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease are as follows:

• Ongoing diarrhoea

• Stomach pain and cramps

• Blood or mucus in your stool

• Feeling like you need to use the bathroom right away

• Feeling very tired

• Losing weight without trying

• Not feeling hungry

• Getting a fever when symptoms get worse

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

If your digestive symptoms do not improve or get worse, it could indicate ongoing inflammation in your intestines. You should see a doctor for a proper check-up in case of the following symptoms:

Why Do Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms Occur?

Inflammatory bowel disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the digestive tract, causing ongoing inflammation. In Crohn's disease, inflammation can affect any part of the digestive tract, while ulcerative colitis mainly affects the colon and rectum. Persistent inflammation damages the intestinal lining, leading to ulcers, bleeding and diarrhoea. Damage to the small intestine may reduce nutrient absorption, causing weight loss, fatigue, and nutritional deficiencies. Inflammation may also affect the joints, skin, eyes and liver, producing symptoms outside the digestive system.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Attention

If you have inflammatory bowel disease and notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately:

• Severe abdominal pain

• Persistent vomiting

• High fever with chills

• Heavy rectal bleeding

• Severe dehydration

• Inability to pass stools or gas

• Rapid heart rate with dizziness or fainting

• Severe abdominal swelling

• Loss of consciousness

• Signs of bowel perforation or toxic megacolon

These symptoms may be signs of serious problems that require emergency care.

Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Based on Type

Different types of inflammatory bowel disease may exhibit different symptoms, which may require medication evaluation. The table below lists symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease based on type:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms in Women

Women with inflammatory bowel disease often experience digestive symptoms similar to men, but changes in hormones can affect how the disease behaves. Some women find their symptoms get worse during their period. Moreover, if IBD is not well-managed, it can impact fertility and pregnancy.

Women might notice the following IBD symptoms:

• Menstrual cycles may become irregular when the disease is active.

• Gastrointestinal symptoms may worsen before or during menstruation.

• Iron-deficiency anaemia may occur.

• Fertility may decrease when inflammation is active.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms in Children

In addition to digestive symptoms, inflammatory bowel disease may affect normal growth and development in children because of poor nutrient absorption and chronic inflammation. Symptoms may include:

• Persistent diarrhoea

• Blood in the stool

• Recurrent abdominal pain

• Weight loss or poor weight gain

• Delayed growth and puberty

• Loss of appetite

• Joint pain

• Mouth ulcers

Can You Have Inflammatory Bowel Disease Without Symptoms?

During periods of remission, many people experience few or no symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, even though low-grade inflammation may still be present in the digestive tract. This is sometimes referred to as subclinical disease activity. Regular follow-up with blood tests, stool markers such as faecal calprotectin, imaging or colonoscopy helps monitor inflammation even when symptoms are absent.

When Can Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms Become Life-Threatening?

The following table provides an overview of conditions related to inflammatory bowel disease and why they are serious:

How are Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms Diagnosed?

Firstly, a healthcare professional will look at your symptoms and medical history and then perform a physical examination. After that, they may suggest tests to confirm inflammatory bowel disease and rule out other digestive problems. These tests may include: