Can Crohn's cause night sweats?

[Sammy2021]

I have posted a few times recently regarding very high calprotectin levels, cramps, on-and-off diarrhoea and blood in stool. I'm still undiagnosed and awaiting more tests. The doctors suspect IBD due to my age and test results (32 years old, last 2 calprotectins were 2030 and 2300) but I am scared of cancer.

In addition to my symptoms, my under arm lymph nodes are raised on one side. I was referred to a breast clinic for this and the radiologist looked and them and said some look enlarged but appear benign (no biopsy taken though). I was relieved by this but then last week I have started sweating at night. I'm not soaking through to the mattress or anything, but my whole body is sweating. This isn't like me at all. I'm really slim and always cold and pretty much never usually sweat (well not noticeably anyway).

I'm really scared that this may be a sign that I have cancer. Can it happen with Crohn's too? Thank you.

[FRreedman]

Put simply, yes. The reason is that when your body reacts to pain or any indication that something is not right it uses the blood to help send messages and antibodies to correct the situation. When blood is kept busy, like this, it provides heat inside the body, to compensate for the heat the body rushes liquid (sweat) to the outside to help cool the inside down. Good luck, keep well and stay safe.

[Sammy2021 in reply to FRreedman]

Thank you again for replying to my post. That's reassuring, and interesting to know why it happens. I didn't want to Google 'night sweats' as I knew it would probably bring up cancer, so I appreciate your explanation. Take care.

[Kelly100]

Yes. Usually when your flaring with symptoms. My son also has raised lymph nodes.

[Sammy2021 in reply to Kelly100]

Thank you Kelly. That's reassuring, especially hearing that it can cause lymph nodes to enlarge too. I hope your son is doing well.

[Kelly100]

It unfortunately puts your body in hyper vigilant mode thanks to an over reactive immune system which causes all these things to happen. Your body thinks it’s helping you but in actual fact it’s making you feel unwell. The good news is once you’ve got on top of your flare it will settle down for you x

[Sammy2021]

So scared. I told the IBD nurse and she wants to do a blood test to check tumour markers (LBH I think). Is it normal for them to want to check this? Terrified.

[Kelly100 in reply to Sammy2021]

The good thing is they are being thorough. I haven’t heard of that blood test but it seems they are doing a a good job at investigating the cause of your symptoms. Try not to worry - I know easier said than done but you are young so the odds are with you that it is nothing sinister. Are you on any medication for your IBD as this may also put your body out of whack for a bit. Crossing my fingers that your blood results are reassuring for you x

[Sammy2021 in reply to Kelly100]

Thank you. I haven't actually been diagnosed with IBD yet (I've had 2 failed colonoscopies and a clear small bowel Pillcam a few years back). The last gastro I spoke to (who is an IBD specialist) put me in touch with the IBD nurse as she's pretty sure I have it. Just waiting on the tests. I had my blood test today so should hear back about that tomorrow or Friday.

[Kelly100]

Oh that’s frustrating. Hopefully soon especially now hospitals are starting to go back to normal you can have the tests and get your diagnosis and treatment. Good luck with your results try and do something nice to take your mind off of things x

[Babygee5]

Hi, just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing