There is no known cure nor a specific cause for Crohn’s Disease, however, it is true that some therapies can help reduce the symptoms and flare-ups. If you have a close relative with this debilitating disease, you are more likely to develop it. If you or someone you love lives with it, how can you manage symptoms and flare-ups of Crohn’s Disease?
What Is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s Disease is an irritable bowel disease (IBD) and it is chronic. It causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract leading to swelling and irritation. It is estimated that three quarters of a million people in the US suffer from Crohn’s Disease, and it affects 6 to 8 million people globally.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?
Its primary symptoms include the following:
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Blood in the stool
- Chronic diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Ulcers in the mouth/pain in your mouth or gums
- Fever and fatigue even when rested
- Infections around the anal canal
Some complications from the disease can include anemia, malnutrition, and bowel obstructions plus it can increase your risk of colon cancer and blood clots.
Best Ways to Manage Symptoms and Flare Ups of Crohn’s Disease
The symptoms of this disease are quite unpleasant, and since it is chronic, it is helpful to know how to manage them. Unfortunately not all treatments or therapies work for everyone. Digestive Health Services will work with you to discover ways to make living with Crohn’s Disease more manageable.
Dietary Changes
Be aware of some changes to fight those cramps like eating smaller portions and refraining from eating nuts, seeds, corn, and popcorn.
Exercise
Light exercise actually helps with Crohn’s symptoms. Try swimming, aerobics and light strength training.
Become Aware of Your Triggers
This one is important. Keep track of what brings on a flare-up. It could be lactose, the sugar found in milk. It could be insoluble fiber like fruit and vegetable skins. Maybe it’s gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.
Talk With Digestive Health Services About Any Changes in Symptoms
Maybe your meds are not helping like they were. It could be a problem with your drugs. Are you smoking, having more stress in your life, or just having unexpected flares? Keep a record of changes.
Keep Certain Things Close at Hand
Crohn’s Disease can wreak havoc with your menstrual cycle, so keep extra sanitary pads or tampons in your purse each day just in case.
Keep an emergency kit with you at all times. Include toilet paper, fresh underwear, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and a large plastic bag for dirty clothes. Better safe…
Plan For a Pregnancy and a Healthy Baby
- You can get pregnant if your disease isn’t active.
- The best time to conceive is when you have been in remission for 3 to 6 months and you are no longer on steroids.
- You can have a healthy pregnancy, but stay in close touch with your OBGYN.
- It can be more difficult if you have had surgery and have a J pouch.
- Crohn’s will stay active during the pregnancy, plus you are more at risk to miscarry or have a low birth weight baby. Talk with Digestive Health Services about other precautions.
Combining Treatments With Therapies and Lifestyle Changes
Treating Crohn’s Disease begins with prescription medications. These help to lessen symptoms while giving the gastrointestinal tract time to heal providing you with longer times between flare-ups.
Lifestyle changes, diet, and avoiding triggers help patients become more comfortable.
Surgery may become necessary if all treatments fail to provide relief. Over half of IBD patients eventually require surgical intervention.
Schedule a Crohn’s Disease Appointment in Downers Grove, IL
Make an appointment with Digestive Health Services if you are experiencing symptoms of Crohn’s Disease, or if your flare-ups are becoming more frequent. Call (630) 434-9312 to schedule an appointment at our gastroenterology clinic in Downers Grove, IL today.
Sources: Crohn’s disease toolkit – American Gastroenterological Association
Crohn’s Disease: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)
