Living well with Crohn’s disease: Your guide to managing symptoms and more

Living with Crohn’s disease can be hard, but many people learn how to manage their symptoms and enjoy life.

“Overall, Crohn's is one of the most complicated diseases that gastroenterologists manage,” says Jon Hattenhauer, DO, a gastroenterologist at PeaceHealth in Vancouver, Washington.

IBD or IBS and why it's important to know the difference

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn’s causes swelling and sores in the digestive system, which is what processes the food you eat. The condition can show up anywhere along your digestive tract — from where your food goes in to where your waste comes out. IBD conditions affect about 3 million (nearly 1 in 100) people in the US.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is commonly confused with inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s. While IBS is a distressing gut condition, it does not cause inflammation, bowel blockage, malnutrition, infection or colorectal cancer like Crohn’s could.

“IBD and IBS are different. That’s why it’s so important to know what’s causing your symptoms,” says Dr. Hattenhauer.

Common symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

People with Crohn’s may have 

• Belly pain
• Diarrhea and cramping
• Feeling tired 
• Weight loss 
• Fever
• Malnutrition

These range from no symptoms at all to severe symptoms requiring hospitalization. Most commonly, early Crohn’s causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, anemia and nutritional deficiencies on labs. 

Symptoms might also come and go. When symptoms get worse, that’s called a flareup. If symptoms stop or improve, it’s called remission.

“If you’re having concerning GI symptoms, don’t wait,” he says. “Talk to your primary care doctor about getting checked out. The sooner you know what’s causing the trouble, the sooner you can get relief or prevent a major problem.”

Learning what is normal for your body can help you know when to reach out for help.

Treatment options for Crohn’s

There is no cure for Crohn’s but the symptoms and inflammation can be managed successfully.

“Crohn’s management can be complicated and requires a gastroenterologist to navigate a challenging treatment plan,” says Dr. Hattenhauer. “Blood and stool tests, colonoscopy, diet, medicines, and surgery are all tools to help you feel better.”

Various medications can help with the symptoms by reducing inflammation in Crohn’s disease. Some medicines are geared toward treating flare-ups. Others are used to maintain remission.

“Your doctor will work with you to find the medication that gives you the most relief,” he says.

Surgery may be an option if medication isn’t working well or if surgery can fix the part of your system that is blocked, leaking or damaged.

How to manage a Crohn’s flare-up 

Following are a few tips to help you prevent or manage flare-ups:

• Call your doctor early. Let your care team know if symptoms are worsening, especially if you have severe pain, fever or ongoing diarrhea.
• Take medicines as prescribed. Even when you feel better, medicine helps prevent flares.
• Eat easily digested foods. Liquids, soft and low fiber foods are usually easier for your body to absorb. Smaller meals can also help. A high-calorie protein smoothie is a great choice. See the list of foods below as a guide.  
• Drink plenty of fluids. Diarrhea can cause dehydration. It’s important to replace lost fluids and stay hydrated.
• Rest and manage stress. Feeling tired is common. Rest helps your body heal.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking can make symptoms worse and increase flare-ups.
• Tap into support systems.  Find others who are also trying to manage an IBD condition. You can learn from and encourage each other.

Foods that may help with Crohn’s

Everyone’s digestive system responds differently to different foods. However, many people find these foods easier to digest:

• White bread
• Cooked vegetables without skins or seeds 
  • Squash
  • Carrots
  • Green beans
• Starches that are cooked, cooled and reheated 
  • Potatoes
  • Plain pasta
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Rice
  • Oatmeal
• Fruits
  • Bananas
  • Berries
  • Applesauce 
  • Blended fruit
• Eggs, fatty fish or tender lean meats
• Broth
• Yogurt or lactose free dairy, if you tolerate it

Foods that may worsen symptoms in Crohn’s

• Gas-producing foods such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower
• High-fat foods like fried foods, butter, ice cream or cheese
• Sweets like cookies and pastries
• Spicy foods 
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Sugary drinks like soda and specialty coffees
• Processed meats such as lunch meat, bacon and hot dogs

Explore more IBD eating tips.

Keeping a food diary can help you learn which foods work best for you.

“One of the most important things to keep in mind is that you’re not alone,” says Dr. Hattenhauer. “Your healthcare team can help you stay hopeful as you learn to work with your body and this condition.”

See personal stories on the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation website.