Crohn’s Disease Symptom Checker

Do You Have Crohn’s Disease? Try This Quick Quiz

Answer these simple questions to get a better idea of what your body might be trying to tell you:

• Do you often have stomach pain or cramps, especially after eating?
• Have you had diarrhea for several days or more?
• Do you sometimes see blood in your stool (poop)?
• Are you losing weight without trying?
• Do you feel very tired, even after sleeping enough?
• Have you had a fever without knowing the reason?
• Do you sometimes feel like you need to use the bathroom urgently, and often?

Take a minute and count how many times you answered “Yes.”

What Do Your Answers Mean?

• Mostly “Yes”: These signs could be linked to Crohn’s disease or another digestive issue. It’s a good idea to speak with a doctor soon.
• Mostly “No”: That’s reassuring. But if you start noticing new symptoms, don’t ignore them: your health matters.

Still unsure? Keep reading to learn more about what Crohn’s disease really is and what you can do about it.

Reminder: This quiz is not a real diagnosis. Only a healthcare provider can tell you for sure

What Is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is a long-term health condition that affects your digestive system: usually the intestines. It causes inflammation, which means parts of your gut become swollen, sore, and don’t work like they should. This can lead to pain, tiredness, and problems going to the bathroom.

It can show up at any age, but it often starts between the ages of 15 and 35. 

You might not notice Crohn’s disease at first. The signs can feel like something you’ve eaten didn’t agree with you, or like a stomach bug that just won’t go away.

It’s not rare: Crohn’s disease affects hundreds of thousands of people around the world. But the earlier it’s found, the easier it is to manage and treat. That’s why paying attention to your body is so important.

Common Signs to Watch For

Crohn’s disease doesn’t always begin with big, dramatic symptoms. In fact, many people live with it for months or even years before realizing something’s wrong.

Here are some signs that could point to Crohn’s:

• Ongoing stomach pain or cramps
• Diarrhea that keeps coming back
• Blood in your stool (poop)
• Feeling very tired or weak most days
• Losing weight without trying
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• A feeling of needing to go to the bathroom right away, even when there’s little there

These symptoms might come and go. But if they stick around or keep coming back, it’s time to talk to your doctor.

What Causes Crohn’s Disease?

Doctors haven’t found one single cause of Crohn’s disease, but they believe it’s linked to how the immune system behaves. For some reason, the body starts attacking healthy parts of the digestive system, as if they were harmful. This leads to inflammation and damage over time.

Crohn’s is not caused by stress or something you ate, although these things can make symptoms worse once the disease has started.

You may have a higher chance of developing Crohn’s if:

• Someone in your family has Crohn’s or another gut condition
• You smoke or have smoked before
• Your immune system is more reactive than usual
• You live in a place where Crohn’s is more common

While we can’t always control the cause, we can pay attention to early signs. Spotting symptoms early makes it easier to manage the condition and avoid complications.

How Is Crohn’s Diagnosed?

Crohn’s disease can be tricky to identify. The symptoms are sometimes mild, or they can look like other health problems. That’s why it’s important to be open about how you’re feeling when you talk to a doctor.

When you see a doctor about your symptoms, they’ll want to get the full picture so they can help you feel better. Here’s what might happen:

• They’ll ask you about your symptoms and how long you’ve been noticing them.
• They may do a simple blood test to check for signs of inflammation or low iron.
• They might ask for a stool (poop) sample to rule out infections.
• They could recommend a colonoscopy or a scan to take a closer look at your digestive system.

It may take a few steps and a little time to figure things out, and that’s okay. The important thing is to understand what’s going on in your body so you can get the right care and start feeling better.

When Should You Talk to a Doctor?

If you’ve been dealing with stomach problems for a while, or something just doesn’t feel normal, don’t wait too long. It’s easy to brush off gut issues as stress or something you ate, but if the symptoms keep coming back, it’s time to speak up.

Reach out to your doctor if you:

• Have stomach pain that comes back often or gets worse
• Notice blood in your poop
• Are losing weight without trying
• Feel very tired, even after getting enough sleep
• Can’t keep food down or feel full quickly
• Have diarrhea that won’t go away

Even if you’re not sure what’s causing it, it’s always okay to ask. You know your body better than anyone, and listening to it is the first step toward feeling better.

Can Crohn’s Disease Be Treated?

While there isn’t a cure for Crohn’s disease, it can be managed. With the right care, many people are able to control their symptoms and live full, active lives.

Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and which parts of your digestive system are affected. A doctor will create a plan that fits your needs. This could include:

• Making changes to your diet or eating habits
• Taking steps to reduce stress and avoid triggers
• Regular check-ins to track your health
• In some cases, procedures or surgeries may be needed to help with damage in the intestines

The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, give your body time to heal, and help you feel more in control. Some people go through periods where they feel almost normal: these are called remissions. 

Even during good times, staying in touch with your doctor is important to keep things steady.

Still got questions? Use the Crohn’s Disease Symptom Checker to get a clearer idea of what your symptoms might mean!