What Irish women need to know about Crohn's disease

Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland, in partnership with Johnson & Johnson Ireland, recently called for more awareness when it comes to Crohn's disease.

But what are the symptoms women need to look out for?

According to Dr. Orlaith Kelly, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Connolly Hospital, being aware of the symptoms is hugely important.

She told Her.ie: "The key symptoms of Crohn's or colitis include rectal bleeding, diarrhoea, urgency and incontinence. Other symptoms include unintentional weight loss, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, mouth ulcers, and generalised fatigue.

"People can present with atypical symptoms or symptoms outside the digestive system such as joint pain, eye symptoms, skin manifestations, abscesses in the anal region or liver problems."

Not only does Crohn's have a physical impact on your body, but it also impacts a woman's mental health.

Dr. Kelly said:

"The mental impact of Crohn's or colitis can be significant, and learning to cope with the disease can be really challenging. There is a higher incidence of both depression and anxiety in people living with IBD.

"This is linked to multiple factors: the impact of suffering with a chronic illness, the fear of how symptoms can affect daily life, body image issues, sexual and relationship issues, fear for the financial impact, the impact on ability to conceive or have healthy pregnancy/family life, impact on ability to work and much more."

"It's a common theme for women's diagnoses to be delayed."

Many Irish women are all too aware of the impact delayed diagnoses can have on their lives.

However, it's an ongoing issue in the Irish healthcare system.

Dr. Kelly said, "It can sometimes be challenging to find a primary care doctor you connect with."

She also said it's challenging to find someone who shares your communication style and who listens to you.

"Though there are some fantastic doctors out there, often due to the pressures on the system, the consultations can be very brief."

She said this can leave patients feeling a bit disenfranchised.

Dr. Kelly said one thing you can do is to list your top one or two concerns or symptoms.

You should also plan the questions you'd like to ask before your appointment.

"If you feel the doctor doesn't seem to be addressing your concerns directly, ask again.

"You can also ask for tests or referrals to specialists if your problem isn't resolving."