Crohn’s disease is commonly associated with digestive issues, but the symptoms can appear much earlier – and in surprising ways.
Gaylyn Henderson, patient advocate and founder of ‘Gutless and Glamorous’, shares her personal experience with the early warning signs she overlooked.
Red and itchy skin rash
Before her diagnosis, Gaylyn Henderson developed a large, itchy rash on her left arm.
The red, inflamed area resembled a contagious skin condition, but it was actually an autoimmune reaction linked to Crohn’s disease.
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Irritated and red eyes
For years, Gaylyn Henderson assumed her red, itchy eyes were caused by allergies.
Later, she discovered that episcleritis – an inflammation of the eye’s outer layer – is commonly associated with autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s.
Painful mouth sores
Mouth ulcers can be an early symptom of Crohn’s disease.
Since the condition causes inflammation throughout the body, these painful sores can make eating difficult and even lead to unintentional weight loss.
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Joint pain and stiffness
Many people with Crohn’s experience joint inflammation, leading to pain and stiffness.
This can be one of the first warning signs – appearing even before any digestive issues.
Unexplained fatigue
Chronic fatigue is one of the most overlooked symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
Persistent exhaustion, even after getting enough rest, can be a sign of the body’s ongoing inflammatory response.
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Increased sensitivity to allergies
Although Gaylyn Henderson always had allergies, she noticed her symptoms worsening over time.
This can indicate an overactive immune system, a hallmark of autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s.
Fever without a clear cause
Recurring low-grade fevers can be a sign of chronic inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease.
If you frequently experience mild fevers with no obvious reason, it could be a red flag.
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Unexplained weight loss
Many Crohn’s patients lose weight without changing their diet or exercise routine.
The disease can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, sometimes long before noticeable digestive symptoms appear.
Eye inflammation and light sensitivity
Beyond episcleritis, Crohn’s can also cause conditions like uveitis, an inflammation of the iris that leads to pain, redness, and sensitivity to light.
Swollen hands or feet
Chronic inflammation in the body can cause swelling, particularly in the hands and feet.
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This is yet another example of how Crohn’s disease affects more than just the digestive system.
This article is based on information from Health.com.