With the hustle and bustle of life, it is easy to write off symptoms like fatigue, bowel changes, weight loss, and blood in the stool. We may assume these symptoms are just stress-related or are normal and will soon pass, but they may be a sign of a serious condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While IBD symptoms vary depending on the individual and the part of the small or large intestine affected, some symptoms should not be ignored.
This World IBD Day, May 19th, Listen to Your Gut
On May 19th, World IBD Day brings attention to inflammatory bowel disease. IBD is a chronic condition that affects between 2.4 and 2.7 million Americans. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two main types of IBD, and both cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Too often, people dismiss symptoms related to the gut, like fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, or even rectal bleeding. But early action is key to managing IBD and preventing complications, including an increased risk of colon cancer. This World IBD Day, take the time to listen to your gut – it may be trying to tell you something about IBD.
Blood Where It Shouldn’t Be: Rectal Bleeding Red Flags
One of the most alarming but often ignored symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease is rectal bleeding. While it may have various causes, blood in your stool is not normal. It can range from bright red to darker, tar-like stools, depending on where in the GI tract the bleeding is occurring.
People with IBD often experience rectal bleeding due to ulcers or inflammation in the lining of the intestine. This isn’t the kind of symptom to brush off, especially if it’s recurrent. Persistent rectal bleeding can lead to anemia and, over time, severe blood loss. If you notice blood in your stool, even a little, it’s time to talk to your doctor.
“It’s Not Normal Fatigue” – IBD’s Energy Drain
Fatigue is one of the most underreported symptoms of IBD, but it affects the majority of people living with inflammatory bowel diseases. This isn’t your normal tiredness from a long day – it’s a profound, deep, chronic exhaustion that doesn’t get better with sleep.
Why does IBD make you so tired? The immune system is in overdrive, and chronic inflammation puts stress on the entire body. Add in nutrient deficiencies from improper digestion (common in Crohn’s disease), blood loss, and side effects from IBD medications, and it’s easy to see why energy levels drop.
If fatigue is interfering with your daily life, it may be more than just burnout – it could be IBD.
Diarrhea That Lasts Weeks
We all experience stomach bugs or food poisoning from time to time, but when diarrhea lasts longer than a couple of weeks, something more serious could be at play. Persistent diarrhea is a symptom of both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Inflammation in the gut interferes with how your body absorbs water and nutrients, resulting in frequent, urgent trips to the bathroom, often with mucus or blood in the stool. It’s especially important not to dismiss this symptom if it’s accompanied by other red flags like weight loss, fatigue, or pain. Chronic diarrhea is your body telling you something is wrong.
Pain Patterns That Signal Inflammation, Not Just Gas
IBD-related abdominal pain is not the same as the occasional cramp or gas discomfort. It’s usually sharp, persistent, and located in specific areas, commonly the lower right side for Crohn’s disease or the lower left for ulcerative colitis.
IBD-related abdominal pain results from deep inflammation, swelling, and sometimes even blockages in the intestines. During an IBD flare-up, the pain may intensify, and certain foods can trigger it further. If you’re frequently curled up from stomach pain that doesn’t resolve, it’s time to investigate.
Unplanned Weight Loss – The Hidden Danger
Unintended weight loss is a serious sign of inflammatory bowel disease that many people overlook, especially younger adults. The inflammation of the GI tract can lead to malabsorption, meaning your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs, even if you’re eating enough.
For people with IBD, weight loss may happen quickly or gradually, but either way, it’s a red flag. It may also be accompanied by muscle loss, which can further sap your strength and energy. If you’re losing weight without trying, especially if it’s combined with diarrhea or fatigue, don’t ignore it.
Mouth Sores, Joint Pain & Other Surprising IBD Clues
IBD doesn’t just affect the gut. It’s a systemic condition, meaning it can affect the entire body. Symptoms that aren’t related to the intestines are common and often the first signs that something is wrong. These include:
- Mouth ulcers or sores, similar to canker sores
- Joint pain and swelling, often in the knees or ankles
- Eye inflammation
- Skin rashes or red bumps
- Fever during flares
These symptoms can be related to various illnesses, but when they occur alongside digestive troubles, it’s important to mention them to a doctor. Recognizing the full-body nature of IBD will aid in getting a correct diagnosis.
Why Younger Adults Are Ignoring These Symptoms
IBD is often diagnosed in people between the ages of 15 and 35, yet this age group is also the most likely to dismiss or delay treatment. Why? Symptoms may be attributed to stress, diet, or even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a different condition with overlapping features.
Unlike IBS, which doesn’t cause inflammation or permanent damage, IBD can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including strictures, fistulas, and an increased cancer risk. Many young adults normalize their symptoms until they become unmanageable. The earlier you act, the better the outcomes. Don’t wait for a crisis to seek care.
How Early Action Changes IBD Outcomes
When caught early, IBD is much more manageable. Early diagnosis allows for:
- Timely medication to control inflammation
- Better monitoring of IBD flares
- Prevention of long-term damage to the GI tract
- Reduced risk of surgery or complications
- Lifestyle adjustments that improve quality of life
Even though IBD is a chronic condition, modern treatments have made it possible for people with IBD to live full, active lives. However, treatment is most effective when started before severe damage occurs.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms of IBD, it’s time to see your healthcare provider:
- Blood in your stool or on toilet paper
- Unexplained, ongoing fatigue
- Diarrhea lasting more than 2–3 weeks
- Chronic stomach pain, especially if it’s one-sided
- Unintended weight loss
- Mouth sores or joint pain that come and go
- Nausea, vomiting, or bloating
- A family history of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
Don’t second-guess your symptoms. People with IBD often endure months or even years before getting an accurate diagnosis, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
This World IBD Day, make a promise to listen to your body and trust your instincts. Ignoring symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease doesn’t make them go away, and early detection could change your health outcomes. Whether you’re dealing with rectal bleeding, pain, fatigue, or diarrhea, remember: these symptoms are not normal, and help is available.
If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of IBD, reach out to Allied Digestive Health to get connected with a healthcare provider based on your individual needs.
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