Health Bud

Diarrhea is not common with cases of Crohn’s disease that only affect the small intestine. Diarrhea occurs in 85% of patients; other symptoms include hematochezia, fever, weight loss, malaise, nausea, and arthralgias. The diagnosis depends on the presenting complaint including acute appendicitis, small bowel obstruction, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, malabsorption syndromes, infectious or ischemic colitis, neoplasia, hemorrhoids, and diverticular disease. Diarrhea and crampy abdominal pain are relieved when the inflammation subsides, however additional medication may also be necessary. Several antidiarrheal agents could be administered, including diphenoxylate, loperamide, and codeine.