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6 Signs You Might Have Crohn’s Disease
June 03, 2025
If you’re dealing with ongoing digestive issues, Crohn’s disease could be the cause. This chronic condition causes inflammation in the digestive tract and often shows up between ages 15 and 35 — especially if it runs in the family.
So how do you know if it’s something to worry about?
We asked Jenna Koliani-Pace, MD, a gastroenterologist with Hartford HealthCare, to share the top signs to watch for – and what to do if you’re concerned.
1. Persistent diarrhea.
If you’re dealing with frequent, loose stools that won’t go away, it might be more than a reaction to what you ate last night.
“Chronic diarrhea is one of the most common signs of Crohn’s disease,” says Dr. Koliani-Pace. “It often comes with urgency and can make it hard to feel comfortable at work, school or out with friends.”
2. Abdominal pain.
Everyone gets stomach aches now and then. But if you’re noticing ongoing cramps or pain after meals, it could be inflammation in your digestive tract.
“Crohn’s pain often feels like a deep, persistent ache,” explains Dr. Koliani-Pace. “It can range from mild discomfort to pain that interferes with your daily routine.”
> Related: What Your Stomach Pain Is Trying To Tell You
3. Unintended weight loss.
Losing weight without trying, especially if it’s paired with a poor appetite, could point to something more serious.
“When your digestive tract is inflamed, your body can’t absorb nutrients the way it should,” says Dr. Koliani-Pace. “That can lead to noticeable weight loss over time.”
4. Fatigue.
If you’re feeling exhausted for no clear reason, even after a full night’s sleep, it could be caused by inflammation from Crohn’s disease.
“Crohn’s-related inflammation can drain your energy,” says Dr. Koliani-Pace. “That kind of fatigue can make it hard to do what you enjoy.”
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5. Frequent and urgent bowel movements.
Experiencing frequent bowel movements with little warning can be more than a temporary inconvenience — it may be a sign of an underlying condition like Crohn’s.
“That urgency can be frustrating and even embarrassing,” says Dr. Koliani-Pace. “It’s a sign your gut isn’t functioning as it should – and it can interfere with daily life.”
6. Lesser-known symptoms.
Crohn’s doesn’t just affect your digestive system. It can show up in other surprising ways, including:
- Mouth sores or ulcers.
- Joint pain or swelling.
- Eye inflammation or redness.
- Skin rashes or bumps.
“These symptoms might not seem connected to your gut,” says Dr. Koliani-Pace. “But they can be part of the bigger picture with Crohn’s.”
> Related: 6 Signs It’s Time to See a Doctor For Your Stomach Issues
When to see your doctor.
If your stomach hasn’t felt right for a while, don’t brush it off. Start by jotting down your symptoms – it can help guide the conversation with your doctor.
“Crohn’s disease can come and go, with flare-ups and periods of calm,” says Dr. Koliani-Pace. “And everyone’s experience looks a little different.”
If things are getting worse or affecting your daily life, it’s time to check in.
“The earlier we catch it, the more we can do,” adds Dr. Koliani-Pace. “We’ll work with you to build a plan that helps you feel more like yourself again.”