Crohn's Disease

If Crohn's disease doesn't cause symptoms, no treatment is needed. Mild symptoms may be treated with Reference antidiarrheal medicines or changes in diet and nutrition.

Reference Reference Bowel Disease: Changing Your Diet

In general, doctors recommend that you do not use Reference nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Opens New Window (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen. These medicines may cause flare-ups of Crohn's disease. But some people may be more likely to have flare-ups from NSAIDs than others. Talk to your doctor about whether to avoid these medicines.

You can also help yourself by:

• Not smoking. Smoking makes Crohn's disease worse.
• Eating a healthy diet.
• Not using antibiotics unless they have been prescribed for you by a doctor.
• Getting regular exercise.

Support and counseling

Crohn's disease can affect every aspect of your life. It may make you feel isolated or depressed. But you can take steps to improve your outlook and coping skills. You may want to seek professional counseling and social support from family, friends, or clergy.

Helping your child

Children who have Crohn's disease may feel self-conscious if they don't grow as fast as other children their age. Encourage your child to take medicine as prescribed. Offer help with the treatment so that your child can feel better, start growing again, and lead a more normal life. Children tend to have a harder time managing the disease than adults, so your support is especially important.

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