How do I know if I have CD?

How can you tell if you have CD? The symptoms of CD include:

• abdominal tenderness or swelling
• diarrhea
• fever
• loss of appetite and weight
• rectal bleeding
• stomach cramps

You may also have other symptoms, such as:

• blood clots in the leg
• eye inflammation (red eye)
• joint pain
• skin rash

Rarely, CD can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called toxic megacolon. The inflammation caused by CD can make the colon enlarge to the point where it may tear open, spilling the contents of the colon into the abdominal cavity. If you notice these symptoms of toxic megacolon, seek immediate medical attention:

• abdominal pain and tenderness
• confusion
• dehydration
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• swelling of the abdomen

CD can also increase the risk of colorectal cancer. People with CD should have regular colonoscopies to screen for cancer, as recommended by their doctors. A colonoscopy is a test where a flexible tube is inserted through the rectum into the colon to check for cancer.

It's not always possible to tell from symptoms alone whether you have CD. That's why it's important to visit your doctor for a diagnosis. If you think you may have CD, see your doctor to find out for sure.