|  | Conditions Treatments | Digestive Health

Signs & Symptoms of Bowel Disease

The inflammatory bowel diseases Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can have similar symptoms, however, the nature of the diseases themselves are different. Ulcerative colitis is due to an inflammation of the lining of colon, while Crohn's disease is a more intrinsic inflammation that can affect large areas of the digestive tract. It is thought that bowel disease can be caused by bacteria, a virus or problems with diet. Consult your doctor or health care provider if you are seeing the signs a bowel disease.

  1. Diarrhea

    • Regular or frequent diarrhea can be a sign of bowel disease and is a concern for those with bowel disease as diarrhea causes the body to lose needed water. Bowel disease can also result in feelings of not being able to hold in excrement.

    Blood

    • The inflammation happening in the digestive tract can cause bleeding which will show up in excrement.

    Anemia

    • If enough blood has been lost through excrement, the lowered number or red blood cells can compromise the oxygen levels in your body and cause anemia, which results in loss of strength, whitening or yellowing of the skin, difficulty breathing and feelings of disorientation.

    Dehydration

    • The loss of water that results from diarrhea caused by bowel disease can lead to feelings of excessive thirst and dehydration.

    Weariness

    • Diarrhea can also leech important nutrients from the body, which can cause a loss of energy, motivation and strength.

    Cramps

    • The inflammation occurring as a result of a bowel disease stresses the nerves and muscles of the digest tract. This will typically cause feelings of pain and contraction in the abdomen.

    Weight Loss

    • Malnutrition and dehydration caused by diarrhea and the loss of appetite that results from the abdominal pain may also lead to a sudden and unexpected loss of body weight.

    Anal Abnormalities

    • Pockets of swellings or fleshy bumps may occur around the anus due to an irritation that bowel disease can cause to the anal lining.

    Changes in Temperature

    • A fever may result as part of the body's effort to rid itself of the infection, and anemia can cause cold skin. These symptoms can cause the body to feel both unusually hot or cold.

Digestive Health - Related Articles