Irritable bowel disease, or IBD, is a condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of the intestines. The most common form of IBD is Crohn’s disease, but there are several other forms of IBD as well. Common IBD symptoms include diarrhea and constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. However, these are not the only symptoms associated with IBD. Here are subtle signs of IBD that don’t affect the gut:

1. Canker sores
Canker sores are small ulcers on the inside of the mouth that are caused by a bacterial infection of the lining of the mouth. They are often associated with a rash called oral erythema. This rash is caused by an immune reaction that causes redness and swelling in the skin. The reaction can be due to an allergy or an infection, but it can also be caused by IBD or other illnesses.

2. Skin issues
Cellulitis is a painful bacterial infection that affects the skin and underlying tissue. It can cause redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area. Cellulitis is most commonly caused by an infection from a wound or insect bite. However, it can also be caused by IBD or other diseases. If you have cellulitis, it is important to see a doctor; they will give you antibiotics to treat the skin issue.

3. Arthritis in large joints
Arthritis in large joints is a condition that occurs in people with IBD. The knees are the most common joints to get arthritis, but other joints can also be afflicted. Arthritis can be caused by the body’s inability to fight off infection, and it can lead to severe pain and disability. You will need to see your doctor if you have arthritis in any joints. They can do an x-ray or MRI to determine what is causing the joint pain. If it is caused by Crohn’s disease, a doctor can prescribe medications to help ease these symptoms.

4. Eye infections
Eye infections refer to several different problems that can occur in the eyes. Some people with IBD have eye ailments caused by bacteria, which can be very serious. The symptoms include redness around the eye, pain, itching, or sensitivity to light. There may also be other signs of infection. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away to find out what is causing them and how to treat them.

5. Migraines
Patients with IBD may experience chronic headaches or migraines. You may have one or more headaches a day, which can be very painful. The pain is usually in the front of your head, but it can also be in your neck or back. Migraines, on the other hand, are severe headaches that can occur when you have a lot of stress. If you have migraines, you may be completely debilitated for 4 to 72 hours.

While Crohn’s disease treatment can help make it easier to manage IBD symptoms, there are also other ways to prevent flare-ups, such as eating a healthy diet with plenty of fiber.