7 Signs of a Crohn's Disease Flare-Up

Crohn’s disease is notorious for its flare-ups, but how do you know that a flare-up is underway? Read on to learn the seven tell-tale signs of a flare-up and what to do if you spot them.

Crohn’s disease — an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects one million Americans — creates an immune response in your body that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, mouth sores, constipation, or bloody stools.

If you’re battling a Crohn's disease flare-up, don’t hesitate to contact our board-certified gastroenterology team at Bay Area Gastroenterology Associates, LLC, for help. Our team can confirm that your symptoms are related to a flare-up and get you care.

In the meantime, read on to learn seven signs of a Crohn’s disease flare-up.

1. Your bathroom habits changed

If your bathroom habits have changed, it could indicate a flare-up. You might notice:

Diarrhea

Frequent, loose, or watery stools are a hallmark symptom and sometimes accompany urgency or incontinence.

Bloody stools can happen if you have inflammation or damage in your intestines.

Increased number of bowel movements per day

Almost 50% of people have one bowel movement daily, 28% go twice daily, and some have bowel movements after each meal. Everyone is different, so you should track what’s normal (and what’s not) for you.

Having five or more bowel movements daily — or anything more than usual for you — is a red flag.

2. You have abdominal pain and cramping

Crohn's disease can cause pain and cramping anywhere along your digestive tract, but it’s often in the lower right abdomen. Pain here is common because two subtypes of Crohn's disease — ileitis and ileocolitis — affect your colon and the last section of your small intestine.

Two other types of Crohn’s disease — gastroduodenal and jejunoileitis — can cause pain in your upper or middle abdomen.

The pain can feel like an intense cramp or a dull ache.

3. You are exhausted

Inflammation, poor nutrient absorption, and the toll of chronic IBD can lead to persistent exhaustion. If you’re getting enough sleep but still feel exhausted, it could be related to your flare-up.

4. You are losing weight

Between your reduced appetite, vomiting and diarrhea, and malabsorption of nutrients, it’s common to lose weight during a flare-up.

Keep a nutrition diary, eat bland, low-fiber food during a flare-up, and stick with your diet plan to maintain weight.

5. You are feeling unwell

A low-grade fever unrelated to a viral infection like the flu or COVID-19 can signal increased inflammation or disease in your GI tract. Between the fever, fatigue, and pain, you might feel miserable.

6. You are nauseous

Nausea and vomiting can occur if inflammation leads to narrowing or obstruction in your intestines.

Note: If you experience severe symptoms like high fever, persistent vomiting, or signs of bowel obstruction, seek immediate medical attention.

7. You have non-GI symptoms

Crohn’s disease is notorious for the GI symptoms it causes but can induce symptoms outside your GI system, including:

Mouth sores
Skin issues (red, tender, or raised bumps)
Joint pain
Eye inflammation
Gum swelling

Some of these symptoms can occur with other conditions, so it’s critical to see the whole picture. For example, gum swelling can also happen if you have gum disease. In either case, if you have symptoms related to your GI system or not, don’t brush them off.

Can you prevent a flare-up?

As many as 75% of people with Crohn’s disease eventually need surgery, and our team works hard to avoid surgery for as long as safely possible. Adhering to your treatment plan as carefully as possible can help reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

Your treatment may include immune suppressants, medication for symptom relief, nutritional supplements, and dietary modifications.

If you suspect you are having a flare-up

Everyone experiences flare-ups differently. You can have symptoms that vary from other people and may last a few days up to several months. Regardless, if you think you’re having a flare-up, call your provider at Bay Area Gastroenterology Associates.

They may recommend changes in your treatment plan, such as anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids.

In addition to taking your medication:

Avoid high-fiber foods, spicy foods, or anything else that exacerbates your symptoms
Eat bland, low-fiber, and low-fat foods
Drink plenty of fluids

Managing Crohn’s disease requires a proactive approach, and the first step is learning to spot the signs of a flare-up.

Get help for Crohn’s disease in Trinity, Florida

Crohn’s disease isn’t easy to manage on your own, and thankfully, you’re not alone. Our gastroenterology specialists in Trinity, Florida, can help you manage Crohn’s disease through medication management, lifestyle changes, and surgery if needed.