Understand Crohn’s
Symptoms and diagnosis
A general overview of what clinicians may consider. Symptoms can overlap with other conditions; this page cannot tell you whether you have Crohn’s disease.
Symptoms vary.
NIDDK lists diarrhea, abdominal cramping and pain, and weight loss among common symptoms. Other symptoms may occur, and patterns can change. A symptom list alone does not establish a diagnosis.
Diagnosis uses more than one piece of information.
A clinician may use medical and family history, a physical exam, laboratory tests, endoscopy, and imaging. The exact evaluation depends on the individual and the clinical question.
Prepare for the conversation
- Write down when symptoms began and how they have changed.
- List current prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements.
- Bring relevant prior testing and the names of previous clinicians.
- Ask what each proposed test is intended to clarify.
- Ask when and how results will be communicated.