Understanding Crohn’s disease: how to spot the signs early

Crohn's disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. It can affect any part of the gastrointestinal system. The symptoms can vary between people, which is why it can be hard to recognise or diagnose early on.

We’ll take you through the common Crohn's disease symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, when to see a doctor, and where to get support.

What is Crohn's disease?

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes swelling, irritation, and damage in the digestive tract, often in the small intestine or colon. This swelling and inflammation can lead to a wide range of symptoms that affect not just digestion, but a person’s general wellbeing.

While the exact cause isn’t known, it’s believed that Crohn’s disease is linked to a combination of factors, including your immune system, genetics, and environmental triggers.

Crohn’s disease is a progressive disease which shows up in stages. It’s not something you can catch or prevent, but it can be managed with the right medical support and lifestyle changes.

Common Crohn’s disease symptoms

Crohn’s disease symptoms often develop gradually, and for many people, the signs come and go over time. This is known as having flare-ups and periods of remission.

Here are some of the more common symptoms:

• Ongoing diarrhoea: Frequent, loose bowel movements that don’t go away.
• Abdominal pain and cramping: Usually felt in the lower right side of the stomach but can occur anywhere.
• Tiredness or fatigue: Feeling exhausted, even after a good night’s sleep.
• Unplanned weight loss: Losing weight without trying, often due to poor appetite or problems absorbing nutrients.
• Reduced appetite: Not feeling hungry or struggling to eat enough food.
• Fever: Sometimes a low-grade fever may appear with inflammation.
• Blood or mucus in your stool: This can happen when the lining of your bowel is inflamed or ulcerated.

Because these symptoms can be similar to other health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or infections, it’s important not to self-diagnose.

Less common symptoms of Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease can also show up in ways you might not expect. These symptoms are less common but are still important to know:

• Mouth ulcers: Painful sores inside the mouth.
• Joint pain: Aching or swelling in the joints, similar to arthritis.
• Skin rashes: Red or tender bumps, often on the lower legs.
• Eye irritation: Redness, pain, or sensitivity to light.
• Irregular periods: In some people, inflammation may affect menstrual cycles.

These symptoms highlight how Crohn’s disease isn’t limited to your digestive system. It’s a condition that can affect your entire body.

How to know if you have Crohn’s disease

If you’ve been experiencing any of these symptoms for more than a few weeks — particularly stomach pain, diarrhoea, or unexplained weight loss — it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.

They can help rule out other possible conditions and refer you for testing.

You may also want to track your symptoms, such as:

• When they started
• How often they occur
• Whether they’re linked to certain foods or stress
• Any changes in your stool or appetite

This information can be helpful during your appointment and can assist with getting an accurate diagnosis sooner.

When to see a doctor

It’s always better to be safe and check in with your doctor if something doesn’t feel right.

You should make an appointment if:

• Your symptoms are ongoing and not improving
• You notice blood in your stool
• You’ve lost a lot of weight without trying
• You feel constantly tired or weak
• You’re experiencing any of the less common symptoms mentioned above

Early diagnosis can help you start treatment sooner and reduce the chance of more serious complications.

How Crohn’s disease is diagnosed

There’s no single test for Crohn’s disease. Instead, your doctor will use a combination of approaches to confirm a diagnosis. This might include:

• Blood tests: To check for signs of inflammation or anaemia.
• Stool samples: To rule out infections and see how your digestive system is working.
• Scans or imaging: CT scans, MRI, or ultrasounds to look at your digestive tract.
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy: These procedures involve a small camera being used to look inside your bowel and may include taking tissue samples.

Because these tests take time, it can sometimes be a long process to get a clear diagnosis. But once you know for sure, you can start working with your healthcare team on a treatment plan.

Where to get support for Crohn’s disease

Living with Crohn’s disease can be unpredictable. Some days might feel totally manageable, while others are more challenging. But you’re not alone, and support is available.

• Talk to your GP or specialist: They can help with referrals to Crohn’s specific-dietitians for nutrition support, mental health support, and gastroenterologists.
• Connect with support groups: Joining a Crohn’s disease community can give you a chance to talk with others who understand what you’re going through.
• Look after your mental health: Anxiety and depression are common in people managing long-term health conditions. Don’t hesitate to seek help from a counsellor or psychologist.
• Explore employment support: People living with Crohn’s disease can face barriers to finding or keeping a job — whether it’s physical symptoms, unpredictable flare-ups or employer misunderstanding. If your health condition is affecting your ability to work, Disability Employment Services can help.

Support through Disability Employment Services

If Crohn’s disease is making it hard for you to find or keep a job, you may be eligible for support through Disability Employment Services (DES).

DES can connect you with an employment consultant who understands the impact of health conditions like Crohn’s disease. They’ll work with you to:

• Find job opportunities that match your needs and skills
• Access workplace modifications and flexible work options
• Build your confidence and skills
• Connect with training or support services

You don’t need a Centrelink referral to join. In many cases, you can register directly with a DES provider like APM.

Resources and further reading

If you or someone you know is living with Crohn's disease, here are some useful resources:

• Crohn’s disease - Health Direct
• Crohn’s disease symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
• Support groups - Crohn’s & Colitis Australia
• Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis fact sheet - Gastroenterological Society of Australia
• Beyond Blue (for mental health support)

You don’t have to face Crohn’s disease alone

If you think you might be living with Crohn’s disease, the most important step is to speak with your doctor. It might feel overwhelming, but early diagnosis and proper management can help you lead a full and active life.

Whether you’ve just started noticing symptoms, or you’ve been managing your condition for a while, you don’t have to do it alone. There’s support available to help you feel better, stay connected, and continue doing the things that matter most to you.

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Disability Employment Services in Australia.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

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