Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation within the digestive tract. This chronic condition can affect any part of the gastrointestinal system, from the mouth to the anus. Abdominal pain is a common and often challenging aspect of living with Crohn’s disease.
Describing Crohn’s Pain
Pain associated with Crohn’s disease ranges from mild to severe. Abdominal cramping is a frequently reported type of pain, described as aching, stabbing, burning, or tightness. Pain intensity often fluctuates, with periods of greater discomfort (flare-ups) and times of remission.
Pain timing also varies; some individuals experience abdominal pain or cramps that worsen one to two hours after eating. Pain can be intermittent or constant, especially during active disease periods.
Where Crohn’s Pain Occurs
The location of Crohn’s pain depends on which part of the digestive tract is affected by inflammation. While the condition can impact any segment from the mouth to the anus, it most commonly involves the small and large intestines. Pain is often felt in the lower right abdomen, due to frequent involvement of the ileocecal valve, which connects the small and large intestines.
Pain can also occur around the navel or in the middle lower abdomen. Inflammation in the jejunum (middle small intestine) might cause pain in the middle abdomen. Gastroduodenal Crohn’s, a less common variation, can cause discomfort in the upper middle abdomen, affecting the stomach or upper small intestines.
What Makes Crohn’s Pain Worse
Several factors can exacerbate Crohn’s pain, often correlating with increased inflammation or digestive difficulty. Certain foods are common triggers, intensifying symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. High-fat foods, including fried or greasy items, can be problematic, leading to cramping and diarrhea. Foods high in insoluble fiber, such as raw fruits, vegetables, corn, and popcorn, can be difficult to digest and may cause discomfort.
Dairy products can also worsen symptoms if an individual has lactose intolerance, which is common among those with Crohn’s. Spicy foods, red meat, and processed meats have also been reported to aggravate symptoms for some individuals. Beyond diet, complications like strictures (narrowings of the intestine) can cause pain, cramping, and blockages. Fistulas, abnormal tunnel-like connections, can also lead to painful infections and drainage. Stress does not cause Crohn’s disease, but it can worsen existing symptoms, including abdominal pain, and may increase the risk of a flare-up.
How Crohn’s Pain Differs
Crohn’s pain often has distinguishing characteristics that set it apart from other common abdominal discomforts. Unlike a general stomach ache that might be temporary, Crohn’s pain is chronic and recurrent, often associated with periods of active disease and remission. It is tied to inflammation and ulcers within the digestive tract, which can be widespread and patchy.
Crohn’s pain is often accompanied by other specific digestive symptoms, such as persistent diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue, which are not always present with common stomach ailments or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While IBS can also cause abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, Crohn’s involves physical inflammation and damage to the gut lining, unlike IBS. The pain in Crohn’s may persist even after bowel movements, unlike some other conditions where pain might be relieved following defecation.
Knowing When to Get Help
Recognizing when to seek medical attention for Crohn’s pain is important for managing the condition and preventing serious complications. Individuals should contact their doctor if they experience severe, sudden, or worsening abdominal pain. Pain accompanied by a high fever, typically above 100.3°F (38°C), warrants prompt medical evaluation.
Other red flags include persistent vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down, inability to pass gas or stool, or significant rectal bleeding with blood clots. If symptoms such as frequent bowel movements and fatigue persist for weeks, or if medications are no longer effectively managing symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for treatment adjustment.