Digestive Disorders Health Center
This article is from the WebMD Feature Archive
Crohn's Disease: 54 Tips to Help You Manage
Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease affecting 500,000 Americans, can overwhelm your daily life. Day-to-day living is especially difficult if you suffer chronic symptoms like frequent diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, anal tears, or bowel obstructions.
Fortunately, treatments for Crohn's disease can make a big difference. Effective treatments range from lifestyle changes to medications, or even surgery in severe cases. The right treatments can reduce symptoms, lengthen remissions, and help you enjoy a happy, productive life.
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What is chronic constipation? Is my chronic constipation a sign of a serious disease such as colon cancer? Can the medications I take be the cause of my chronic constipation? What medical tests can help determine the cause of my chronic constipation? Are psyllium powder mixes or other over-the-counter (OTC) remedies effective for ending constipation? If I've been taking laxatives, how would I know if I'm dependent? What dietary changes should I make to help my chronic co...
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To get a handle on your Crohn's disease, read these basic facts and tips on nutrition, lifestyle, travel, and treatment.
Fast Facts About Crohn's Disease
- Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract -- usually the small intestine and/or colon.
- No one knows what causes Crohn's, but some think it's affected by genetics, the immune system, and environmental issues.
- There are four types of Crohn's; your doctor will diagnose which you have based on the location and severity of the disease.
- New research shows that certain genes can lead to an increased risk of Crohn's disease.
- Remission of Crohn's can last from months to years. Treatment is usually the cause of remissions.
- There's no evidence that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) eventually leads to Crohn's disease.
Crohn's Disease Symptom Tips
- Fever and night sweats can be Crohn's symptoms. Talk with your doctor to be sure.
- Common symptoms of Crohn's disease include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
- Don't feel much like eating? Poor appetite can be a Crohn's disease symptom. Talk with your doctor.
- Symptoms of Crohn's disease can come and go. Some people have mild or no symptoms.
- Get a balanced amount of proteins, calories, and nutrients to help manage Crohn's disease symptoms.
- Experiencing cramps or diarrhea? Anti-diarrheal agents and anti-spasmotics can offer relief.
Treatment Tips for Crohn's Disease
- Your Crohn's disease treatment choices depend on the location and severity of your disease.
- When Crohn's disease goes into remission, it's usually due to treatment with medication or surgery.
- Treatment for Crohn's disease includes anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and/or surgery.
- Know what's in your medicine cabinet: Aspirin can worsen the inflammation caused by Crohn's disease.
- Some antibiotics can reduce Crohn's inflammation, though no one yet knows how.
- Corticosteroids, a treatment for Crohn's, can raise your osteoporosis risks. Talk to your doctor about prevention.
Lifestyle Tips: Living Better When You Have Crohn's
- Appetite a little low? Try eating small, frequent meals, instead of a few big ones.
- When you enjoy a great restaurant meal without irritation or side effects, jot down which items you ordered.
- Manage symptoms of Crohn's disease: enjoy a balanced diet and proper portion control.
- Smoking can make Crohn's disease symptoms worse. Now is a good time to quit!
- Feeling fatigued? Enjoy regular exercise, a healthy diet, and enough sleep. And talk to your doctor.
- Taking antibiotics for Crohn's disease symptoms? Avoid alcohol, which can worsen some side effects.
