Daily Living with Crohn's Disease

Living with Crohn's Disease can be a challenge and can be a source of significant stress for many people. Crohn's is an incurable autoimmune disorder of the digestive tract, prevalent in about 700,000 Americans. Crohn's causes inflammatory response and ulceration in the small and large intestine (colon), and Crohn's Disease often causes pain and diarrhea. This article will explore this IBD type and how it can affect your daily life.

Crohn's Disease, Can I live With It

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The short answer is yes, however living with Crohn's Disease takes some special planning and changes to your daily living habits. The most basic way to treat Crohn's is through medication; however, it is essential to learn good lifestyle habits to decrease your risk for flare-ups. 

The first step to living with Crohn's Disease is understanding the condition and how it affects your body. Crohn's causes pain and discomfort because it results in inflammation of your digestive tract (most often in the small or large intestine). 

The inflammation causes ulceration of the inner linings of your digestive system. Ulcers may develop anywhere along your digestive tract, most commonly found in the ileum (the lower part of your small intestine) or colon.

Understanding Crohn's Disease Symptoms

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The symptoms of Crohn's Disease are unique to each individual. Some people have only mild symptoms, while others have severe symptoms. 

Symptoms associated with Crohn's Disease include:

• Abdominal pain that does not subside after defecation
• Abdominal pain in the lower left part of your abdomen
• Crohn's Disease diarrhea (watery, light, or non-formed stool)
• Loss of appetite and weight loss due to inability to absorb nutrients from food
• Fatigue/low energy level
• Fever
• Night sweats

Keeping a journal of your Crohn's Disease symptoms to show your doctor what you experience can be a beneficial tool in controlling how this Disease affects your daily life.

Take Charge Of Your Crohn's Disease

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Choosing the proper treatment is one of the critical components for living with Crohn's, but it is equally important that you learn ways to cope with Crohn's flare-ups when they do occur. 

Some good Crohn's lifestyle changes include: 

• Eating healthy
• Drinking plenty of water
• Exercising regularly throughout the week
• Learning Crohn's dietary restrictions and avoiding foods you know trigger your flare-ups. 

People with Crohn's should generally avoid foods high in fiber because these foods may be problematic for people to digest. If you suspect a specific food triggers a flare-up or if you experience any unusual symptoms after eating a particular food, talk to your gastroenterologist about what you should avoid eating.

Another treatment for Crohn's Disease usually involves prescription medications such as steroids and immunosuppressants.

Make A Treatment Plan With Your Gastroenterologist

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A Crohn's Disease diagnosis will change your life, but it does not mean that you cannot live a healthy and fulfilling one with family and friends. You can reduce your symptoms with the proper Crohn's Disease diet and lifestyle changes.

Carolina Digestive is located throughout North Carolina

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To learn more about IBD types or more specifically Crohn’s Disease, or if you’d like to be seen by a physician, contact us today. We treat all gastrointestinal issues and disorders with quality, comprehensive care.