How to Recognize Signs of IBD and When to See a Doctor

Key Takeaways 

• Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis share some symptoms, but they can affect the digestive tract in different ways.
• Common signs of IBD include ongoing diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, fatigue, weight loss, and an urgent need to use the bathroom.
• Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may come and go over time.
• Because many digestive conditions have similar symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.
• Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage inflammation, reduce complications, and improve quality of life. 

How to Recognize IBD Symptoms 

Is it just a sensitive digestive tract, or could it be something more? 

Most of us deal with stomach pain, diarrhea, or digestive discomfort from time to time. But when symptoms stick around, come back repeatedly, or start to disrupt everyday life, they may point to a more serious condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. 

Recognizing patterns early can help you get evaluated sooner and understand what’s behind your symptoms. This blog will help you understand common symptoms, differences between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and when to talk with a healthcare professional. 

What is IBD? 

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The two main types are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. 

While they share some features, they affect the body differently. Crohn’s disease can involve any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum. 

IBD is not the same as occasional digestive discomfort, food poisoning, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It’s a long-term condition that typically cycles between flares (when symptoms are active) and remission (when symptoms ease). 

Liam Robertson, a Foundation social media ambassador and advocate, struggled with symptoms like urgency and rectal bleeding before receiving a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. After finally receiving his diagnosis, Liam felt validation: his pain was real. He makes sure to remind his community that: “IBD looks different for everyone. It’s not one size fits all.” 

Common Signs and Symptoms of IBD 

IBD symptoms don’t always appear all at once. At first, you might notice mild concerns or symptoms that come and go. 

Common symptoms include: 

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Blood in your stool or rectal bleeding
• Fatigue or low energy
• Nausea or vomiting
• Ongoing diarrhea
• Unintended weight loss
• Urgent bowel movements 

“Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis share many of these symptoms, but the symptoms don’t always show up in the same way,” says Alan Moss, MD, Chief Scientific Officer at the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. “Ulcerative colitis more often involves rectal bleeding and symptoms affecting the colon, while Crohn’s disease may cause pain in different areas of the abdomen and can affect any part of the digestive tract.” 

Some symptoms are easy to brush off. Fatigue, intermittent loose stools, cramps after eating, or joint discomfort may not seem connected at first.  

Victoria Tyler, Foundation Social Media Ambassador and advocate, knows what it’s like to be tired as a mother of two, but her fatigue from IBD was different. “It’s an exhaustion that can consume you — no matter how much rest you get, it won’t go away,” explains Tyler. “You feel too wiped to do regular things like shower, get out of bed, or brush your teeth.” 

Over time, though, the pattern becomes more important than any single symptom. Consider writing down your symptoms and when they happen. Take note if symptoms last for several weeks, keep returning, or start occurring together—such as diarrhea with rectal bleeding or pain with weight loss. 

Signs and Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease  

Signs and Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis  

IBD Symptoms Can Affect More Than Digestion 

IBD doesn’t only affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It can also show up in other parts of the body, sometimes before GI symptoms begin 

These most often include: 

• Delayed growth in children
• Eye inflammation
• Fever
• Joint pain and fatigue
• Skin issues like dryness or rashes 

“About 30% of patients experience symptoms outside the GI tract on a persistent basis,” says Dr. Moss. “When they occur alongside GI symptoms, that can help connect the dots.” 

When to See a Doctor for Digestive Symptoms  

It’s common to wait and see if symptoms improve. But these should prompt a conversation with a healthcare professional: 

• A combination of symptoms, such as diarrhea with bleeding or pain with weight loss
• Blood in your stool
• Ongoing fatigue
• Symptoms that interfere with your daily activities
• Symptoms that last more than a few weeks
• Unexplained weight loss 

Your evaluation may include blood work, stool tests, imaging, or a colonoscopy. One screening tool to ask about is a fecal calprotectin stool test, which can help identify inflammation in the intestines and determine whether you need more testing. 

Support and resources 

Digestive symptoms can be easy to dismiss or avoid dealing with. But when they persist or start to add up, talk to a healthcare provider. You can start with a primary care provider, who can refer you to a specialist if needed. 

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation offers extensive resources to support people at every stage of their journey with IBD. Explore these resources today: 

• 24/7 IBD Help Center
• GI Tract Guide
• Guide to Crohn’s disease signs and symptoms
• Guide to Ulcerative Colitis
• MyIBD Learning (online and in-person patient and caregiver education programs)
• IBD Medication Guide 

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Alan Moss, MD, Chief Scientific Officer of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation