How Much Do You Know About Crohn's Disease?

Crohn's usually happens in the lower end of your small intestine and the beginning of your large intestine, or colon. But it can start anywhere in your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, and even the mouth. This makes it different from ulcerative colitis, which only affects your colon and rectum.Your symptoms depend on where Crohn's is in your digestive tract. The disease can also affect other parts of your body, like your skin, eyes, joints, and liver.

There’s no single type of food that worsens Crohn's symptoms in everyone. Sometimes the disease flares up for no clear reason. But many people find that certain foods make them feel worse and lead to flares.Other triggers include stress, certain medications, smoking, and skipping Crohn’s medications or taking the wrong dose.

Treatment helps you have fewer flares. But they can still happen.Even with good control, this disease is hard to predict. Your symptoms can range from mild to severe. They may come on slowly or hit you without warning. You might go years without any, only to have a flare come out of nowhere. Let your doctor know how you're doing. With a little work, you can have a full and active life.

These are "good" bacteria, fungi, or yeast that live in your gut. You can get them in supplements or food. Studies show they can ease some people’s symptoms, but we need more research to prove they work.They may cause side effects like mild bloating or gas. Tell your doctor if you take any supplements, vitamins, or other alternative or complementary treatments, even if they claim to be natural. They can change the way your Crohn’s medication works.

Crohn's can make it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins and minerals, depending on where your disease is located. If it affects the lower end of your small intestine, your body may not take in enough B12 from your diet.Crohn's can also make it hard for you to get enough folic acid, iron, and vitamins C and D. Ask your doctor if you need vitamins or other supplements.

Stay away from carbonated drinks during a flare. They often cause gas. You should also skip gassy foods like beans, cabbage, and broccoli.Cut back on caffeine, too. You may want to pass up greasy and fried foods, which can cause gas or diarrhea.High-fiber foods like raw vegetables or fruits may be a problem during a flare, so cook them well. Eating smaller meals can also ease symptoms. A food journal can help you identify which foods to avoid during a flare.

You're more likely to get it if you have a parent, brother, or sister with it. But it isn’t just about the genes you got from your family. Your immune can go awry and cause the inflammation that comes with this disease. Other things may also be involved. For instance, it's more common among smokers than nonsmokers. Doctors don't know the exact reason why one person gets it and another doesn't.

There's no cure for the disease, but the goal of treatment is to lower the inflammation that sets off your symptoms. This lets your tissues heal and eases symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and belly pain.  Some treatments also cut down on Crohn's flares. They may include medications, surgery, and nutritional supplements.

Stress doesn't cause the disease. But it can make your symptoms worse. Living with this disease can also be stressful. You can take steps to keep it in line. Make it a habit to relax. Try deep breathing, yoga, tai chi, and meditation. Spend time with people you love and do things you enjoy. A support group and a counselor can help you handle your day-to-day life.

Keep up with your treatment plan. It’ll help control the inflammation that can damage your digestive system. It also lowers your chances of getting scars in your intestines or other health problems. You're also less likely to need surgery or hospital care in the future if your Crohn's is under control.

Sometimes the swelling and scar tissue that come with Crohn’s can thicken the wall of your intestine. Your doctor might call this an intestinal obstruction because the passage is blocked. Some people get arthritis, eye or mouth inflammation, and kidney stones or gallstones but these happen less often.

Smoking can worsen your Crohn's symptoms. And it can make you more likely to need surgery. Smokers also tend to have more flares, more complications, and need higher doses of steroids and other medications. So quitting can lower your risk of these problems. It may take you a few tries to kick the habit, but it's worth it, so keep at it! You don't have to do it on your own. Ask your doctor about a program to help you make this change.

You do need to take your medicine as your doctor prescribed. But that's not the only thing that matters.You also need to exercise, get a handle on your stress, and eat healthy food. Ask your doctor or a dietitian about what you should to avoid and how to get enough nutrients. Physical activity is a great way to burn off stress. Weight-bearing activity, like strength-training, is also good for your bones. It can keep them from getting thin, another problem that comes along with Crohn's.