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Crohn’s Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, and More

July 7, 2022

Crohn’s Disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract. Crohn’s can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

Treatment options include medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Crohn’s Disease is a chronic condition, which means it can last for months or years. There is no cure for Crohn’s, but treatment can help manage the symptoms and reduce the severity of flare-ups.

Crohn’s disease symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and they may come and go. The most common symptoms of Crohn’s include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Blood in the stool
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Fever
  • Anemia

Crohn’s Disease is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests, imaging tests, and endoscopy. There is no one test that can diagnose Crohn’s Disease definitively. Treatment for Crohn’s Disease often includes a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Surgery may also be an option for some people with Crohn’s.

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic condition, which means it can last for months or years. There is no cure for Crohn’s, but treatment can help manage the symptoms and reduce the severity of flare-ups. If you have Crohn’s Disease, work with your doctor to create a treatment plan that works for you.

How to Manage Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic condition, which means it will last for months or years. There is no cure for Crohn’s, but treatment can help manage the symptoms and reduce the severity of flare-ups. If you have Crohn’s Disease, work with your doctor to create a treatment plan that works for you.

Your treatment plan may include:

  • Medications: Crohn’s Disease is typically treated with a combination of medication types. Some common Crohn’s medications include anti-inflammatories, immune system suppressors, and antibiotics.
  • Surgery: Surgery may be an option for people with Crohn’s who do not respond to medications or have complications from the Disease.
  • Lifestyle changes: There are lifestyle changes you can make to help manage Crohn’s Disease. These include eating a healthy diet, getting enough rest, and managing stress.

Crohn’s Disease and Pregnancy

Crohn’s Disease can make it more difficult to become pregnant and can also increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. If you have Crohn’s Disease and are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about how to manage your Crohn’s during pregnancy.

Crohn’s Disease and Children

Crohn’s Disease may also affect children. Some common symptoms in children include pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, and fatigue. Crohn’s Disease is diagnosed by taking medical history, doing physical exams and blood tests, and using imaging tests such as x-rays or MRIs. There is no one test that can diagnose Crohn’s Disease for sure.

Treatment for Crohn’s Disease often includes a combination of medicines and lifestyle changes such as eating healthy foods and getting enough rest. Surgery may also be an option for some people with Crohn’s Disease who do not respond to medicines.

Living with Crohn’s Disease

If you have Crohn’s Disease, there are things you can do to manage your symptoms and live a healthy life.

  • Work with your doctor: Crohn’s is a complex disease, and it is important to work with a doctor who is familiar with Crohn’s and its treatment.
  • Get enough rest: Getting enough sleep can help your body heal and manage stress.
  • Eat healthily: Eating a healthy diet can help you maintain your weight, get the nutrients you need, and avoid triggering Crohn’s symptoms.
  • Manage stress: Stress can make Crohn’s symptoms worse. Try to find ways to relax and reduce stress in your life.