Doctors Note Logo

Published on: 1/29/2026

5 symptoms that may indicate inflammatory bowel disease

Five symptoms that may indicate inflammatory bowel disease are persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, blood or mucus in the stool, ongoing fatigue, and unintended weight loss or poor appetite. There are several factors to consider. See below for important details that can influence what to do next, including how these signs differ from IBS, when to call a clinician or seek urgent care, and considerations such as nighttime symptoms, anemia, and growth delays in children.

answer background

Explanation

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a long-term condition that causes ongoing inflammation in the digestive tract. The two main types are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. While they share some features, they can affect different parts of the gut and may behave differently over time. Understanding early and ongoing symptoms of IBD can help people recognize when something more than a short-term stomach issue may be happening.

Below are five symptoms that may indicate IBD, explained in clear, everyday language and grounded in information from well‑established medical organizations and clinical research. These symptoms do not automatically mean you have IBD, but they are important signals that deserve attention.


1. Ongoing Diarrhea That Doesn't Fully Resolve

One of the most common signs of IBD is persistent diarrhea, especially when it lasts for weeks rather than days.

In IBD, inflammation in the intestines interferes with the body's ability to absorb water and nutrients. This leads to loose or watery stools that may:

  • Occur several times a day
  • Wake you from sleep
  • Continue even when you haven't eaten much
  • Improve briefly, then return

Unlike diarrhea caused by a stomach virus or food poisoning, IBD-related diarrhea often does not fully go away on its own. In ulcerative colitis, diarrhea is usually more frequent and urgent. In Crohn's disease, it may be less predictable and sometimes alternate with constipation.

Occasional diarrhea is very common and usually harmless. However, if diarrhea is ongoing, disruptive to daily life, or accompanied by other symptoms listed below, it is worth discussing with a healthcare professional.


2. Abdominal Pain and Cramping

Abdominal pain is another key symptom of IBD. The pain is caused by inflammation, muscle spasms in the bowel, or narrowing of the intestines.

People with IBD often describe pain that:

  • Feels crampy or deep rather than sharp
  • Occurs repeatedly in the same area
  • Improves temporarily after a bowel movement
  • Worsens during symptom "flares"

In Crohn's disease, pain often appears in the lower right side of the abdomen, though it can occur anywhere. In ulcerative colitis, pain is more commonly felt in the lower left abdomen.

Mild stomach discomfort can happen for many reasons, including stress or dietary changes. Pain that is frequent, worsening, or interfering with normal activities should not be ignored.


3. Blood or Mucus in the Stool

Seeing blood or mucus in the stool can be alarming, but it is an important symptom to take seriously.

In IBD, inflammation damages the lining of the intestines, which can cause bleeding and excess mucus production. This may look like:

  • Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the bowl
  • Darker blood mixed into the stool
  • Sticky or cloudy mucus coating the stool

Blood in the stool is more common in ulcerative colitis but can also occur in Crohn's disease when the colon is involved.

Not all blood in the stool is due to IBD—hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and infections are also common causes. Still, any unexplained bleeding should be evaluated by a doctor, especially if it happens more than once or is accompanied by other digestive symptoms.


4. Fatigue and Low Energy

Many people with IBD experience ongoing fatigue, even when they are getting enough sleep. This tiredness is not just "feeling worn out"—it can feel overwhelming and persistent.

Fatigue in IBD can be caused by several factors:

  • Chronic inflammation affecting the whole body
  • Anemia from blood loss or poor nutrient absorption
  • Poor sleep due to nighttime symptoms
  • The body using extra energy to manage inflammation

This kind of fatigue often does not improve with rest alone and may affect concentration, mood, and motivation.

Because fatigue is common in many conditions—including stress, depression, and thyroid disorders—it is easy to overlook. When fatigue appears alongside digestive symptoms, it can be an important clue that something systemic, like IBD, may be involved.


5. Unintended Weight Loss or Poor Appetite

Unplanned weight loss or a noticeable decrease in appetite can be another sign of IBD.

Inflammation in the digestive tract can lead to:

  • Reduced appetite due to pain or nausea
  • Avoidance of food to prevent symptoms
  • Poor absorption of calories and nutrients
  • Increased energy needs from ongoing inflammation

In children and teens, IBD may show up as delayed growth or delayed puberty, which is a key reason early diagnosis matters.

Losing a small amount of weight during illness or stress can be normal. However, ongoing or unexplained weight loss should always be discussed with a healthcare provider, as it can signal a more serious underlying issue.


IBD vs. IBS: Why Symptoms Can Be Confusing

IBD is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While the symptoms can overlap—such as abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits—the conditions are very different.

  • IBD involves visible inflammation and damage to the digestive tract
  • IBS is a functional disorder and does not cause inflammation or tissue damage

Because the symptoms can feel similar, it may help to learn more about how these conditions differ. If you're experiencing digestive symptoms and want to better understand what might be going on, you can use a free Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptom checker to explore whether your symptoms align more closely with IBS—this can provide useful insights before your doctor's appointment.


When to Speak to a Doctor

It is important to speak to a doctor if you experience:

  • Persistent diarrhea lasting more than 2–3 weeks
  • Blood in your stool
  • Severe or worsening abdominal pain
  • Ongoing fatigue that limits daily activities
  • Unexplained weight loss

Seek urgent medical care if symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or include signs like dehydration, high fever, heavy bleeding, or intense abdominal pain. These can be serious and, in rare cases, life-threatening.

Early evaluation matters. IBD is a chronic condition, but with proper medical care, many people are able to manage symptoms, reduce flares, and maintain a good quality of life.


A Final Thought

Digestive symptoms are common, and most are not dangerous. At the same time, listening to your body is important. If something feels persistent, unusual, or disruptive, it deserves attention. Learning about IBD symptoms is not about creating fear—it is about recognizing when it may be time to ask for help.

A qualified healthcare professional can evaluate symptoms, order appropriate tests, and help determine whether IBD or another condition may be involved. If anything feels serious or potentially life-threatening, do not delay—speak to a doctor as soon as possible.

(References)

  • * Kostic E, Popovic M, Gavrilovic S, Popovic D. Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review of Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Dis Mon. 2021 Apr;67(4):101116. doi: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2021.101116. Epub 2021 Mar 18. PMID: 33745672.

  • * Kucharzik T, Maaser C, Lügering A, Kaltz B, Scheffold T, Stallmach A, Sturm A, Siegmund B. Diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2020 Feb 28;117(9):164-174. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2020.0164. PMID: 32295674; PMCID: PMC7161225.

  • * Sifakis S, Gkouzou S, Tsolias C, Papageorgiou G, Giannakopoulou E, Zampeli P, Ntaoula D, Giannakopoulos G, Vagianos CE, Lyros E. Early diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease: current concepts and future trends. Ann Gastroenterol. 2023 Mar-Apr;36(2):123-134. doi: 10.20524/aog.2023.0768. Epub 2023 Feb 15. PMID: 36911369; PMCID: PMC9995536.

  • * Rogler G, Jantschek N. Clinical presentation of inflammatory bowel disease: a narrative review. Dig Dis. 2022;40(6):531-541. doi: 10.1159/000523267. Epub 2022 May 2. PMID: 35500588.

  • * Li M, Li Z, Huang Y, Shi K, Chen H, Yu Y, Liu W, Gao Y, Jiang Y. Differentiating inflammatory bowel disease from irritable bowel syndrome: A comprehensive review of current diagnostic tools and strategies. Front Immunol. 2023 Jul 21;14:1221792. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1221792. PMID: 37546682; PMCID: PMC10403310.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Learn more about diseases

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.