Signs of Crohn’s Disease in Children and Teenagers

Crohn’s disease, also called inflammatory bowel disease, is a chronic condition that impacts the digestive system. This serious disease causes inflammation in the digestive tract which can cause bleeding and ulcers. While anyone can get it at any age, it is most commonly found in people between the ages of 15 and 30. Not only is this an extremely painful issue to cope with, it can also cause other problems like delayed puberty, stunted growth, and weakened bones, as well as a variety of emotional issues.

It is important to know the symptoms of Crohn’s disease so you can identify any warning signs your child or teenager may be presenting. These include:

• Weight loss
• Rectal bleeding
• Abdominal tenderness
• Fever
• Chronic diarrhea
• Full feeling in the lower right abdomen
• Arthritis
• Kidney stones or gallstones
• Inflammation or swelling
• Anemia
• Skin rashes
• Liver disease

People who suffer from Crohn’s can experience severe symptoms for a period of time and then find themselves not noticing any symptoms at all. This is called remission, and for some people this can last for weeks or even years. It is impossible to know when symptoms may occur again.

If you notice any of these symptoms, speak with your doctor right away. He may recommend an endoscopy, blood tests, or a barium X-ray to determine whether your child has Crohn’s disease. Don’t wait – the sooner it is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated.