Symptoms of crohn's disease in children

Crohn's disease is the bowels inflammatory process that affects lining of the digestive tract. If untreated properly, it can lead to serious cases of diarrhea, strong abdominal pain, and even malnutrition. Even if it considered being adult oriented disease, about 30% of people have a first symptoms of Crohn's disease before age of 20.

Symptoms of Crohn's disease in children and younger people may include diarrhea, inflammations of stomach only, abdominal cramping and pain, appetite loss or reduced appetite, fever, fatigue, skin disorder, weight loss, vomiting, nausea or ulcers on the surface of the intestine.

Crohn's disease is very serious and could impact lives of teens and children. Although it is not fatal, it requires serious attention, and medical treatment and support, in order for children and teens to maintain their normal lives.

There are many possible complications of Crohn's disease. Some of them may be;

Gall bladder or liver problemsThese problems may include fatty liver, hepatitis, gallstones and inflammation of bile ducts.

Eye problemsDifferent parts of eye can be painful, inflamed, irritated, or vision impaired.

Abnormal blood clothingCrohn's disease increases risk of blood clothing of blood vessels.

Urinary problemsGallstones in the bladder, kidneys stones or urinary tract infections are some of possible complications of Crohn's disease.

AnemiaAnemia or low blood cell count may occur sometimes in cases of Crohn's disease. Iron is not properly absorbed in the intestines, due to infection of it, causing anemia.

Mouth ulcersUlcers may appear in your mouth as a result of Crohn's disease. They tend to be sore and painful, and often they are among first symptoms of disease.

UndernourishmentBecause of bowel inflammation or disorders caused by Crohn's disease, people tend to have low appetite and digestive problems.

Colon cancerAlthough rare with little children with Crohn's disease, colon cancer may appear later in their adult life.

ArthritisPain at large joint like legs, hip or spine, is often one of the symptoms of Crohn's disease, outside the bowels. Fortunately, this joint pain comes and goes, and do not deform the joints.

Skin problemsMost common skin complication of Crohn's disease is called erythema nodosum, and it appears at lower leg area, causing red, tender and raised lumps.

Development and growth problemsDelayed sexual development and stunted growth (sometimes called delayed puberty), can also be some of complications of Crohn's disease, and they are common complication of this disease among teens and children.

Damage to the intestinesSometimes, as a result of Crohn's disease complications, obstruction, blockage, perforation or narrowing of the intestine may appear. Fistulas or abscesses around anus may appear too, and they are also one of the first symptoms of Crohn's disease.