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Writer's pictureSandra Saint

IBD Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Although about 70,000 new cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are diagnosed every year in the US alone, GI tract disorder remains one of the lesser-known diseases. The reason being the lack of awareness and its non-specific symptoms. The absence of a single diagnostic test further adds to the problem. As a result, IBD often remains undiagnosed for a long time and can sometimes be misdiagnosed, leading to the worsening of the disease.

It’s important to know how IBD affects your body, so you can identify the symptoms and get medical help.


If you’re experiencing GI issues, it’s important to rule out IBD. Look out for the following signs and consult a doctor immediately if you experience any, as they may reflect inflammatory bowel disease:

1.Drastic Changes in Bowel Habits

You may experience bouts of chronic constipation, severe diarrhea, or your bowel habits suddenly change from one to another. You may also find it difficult to hold and need to go to the toilet immediately (bowel emergency).

2.Blood in Stool

Bloody stools are not normal. They can be a sign of GI tract issues and/or internal bleeding. Blood in stool is also a sign of inflammatory bowel disease progression. It may or may not be accompanied by pus and mucus.

3.Pain, Fatigue, Appetite Changes

If you are experiencing abdominal pain and cramps without any apparent reason, along with a constant feeling of tiredness and/or loss of appetite, you may have inflammatory bowel disease.

You may also experience gas and bloating constantly or very frequently.

4.Weight Loss

Weight loss is generally perceived as a positive health change. However, unexplained weight loss is never a good sign. In IBD, weight loss can either be due to sudden and drastic appetite changes or poor absorption of nutrients in the body due to inflammation. If you are experiencing unexplained weight loss, consult your doctor immediately.

Loss of appetite and poor absorption of nutrients can also lead to anemia in the long run.

5.Ulcers

Although it’s less common, IBD may cause mouth and skin ulcers. You may also experience skin rashes. If there is no apparent reason for your ulcers, it’s important to see a doctor and rule out IBD.

6.Nausea

Not everyone with IBD experience nausea, but some do. If you have suddenly started to feel nauseous frequently, it may reflect issues in your gut. In IBD, nausea is also often accompanied by vomiting.


Do Not Ignore Your Symptoms, See a Doctor Immediately

The signs that we have discussed above may not necessarily be associated with a serious health problem, but they may also be telltale signs of IBD, so do not ignore them. Consult a doctor if you notice any of these symptoms that last for more than a few days. Do not wait even for a few days if you’re having bloody stools.

Inflammatory bowel disease is not a fatal disease, but it’s incurable and progressive. If not treated on time, IBD can lead to serious health complications, which sometimes may be life-threatening. The disease can also severely impact your quality of life. So, don’t take risks and see a doctor as soon as you notice any IBD symptoms.

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