Crohn’s Disease: Symptoms, Treatments, Diet, and Surgery to Manage the Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, causing inflammation and sores. Although there is no definitive cure, nowadays it is possible to control symptoms and prevent flare‑ups thanks to targeted pharmacological treatments, proper nutrition, and, in more complex cases, to surgery.
A multidisciplinary approach can improve quality of life and help maintain long‑term remission.
Pharmacological Treatments for Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is an immune mediated condition: the immune system mistakenly attacks the intestine, causing chronic inflammation.
Pharmacological treatments aim to reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and prolong remission.
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
Symptoms can vary in intensity and alternate between flare‑ups and remission. The most common include:
- Persistent diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain and cramping.
- Blood in the stool.
- Fever.
- Fatigue and weight loss.
The disease alternates between flare‑ups and periods of remission, during which symptoms improve significantly. Immunosuppressive medications also help prolong remission, making episodes less frequent.
Medications for Crohn’s Disease
Treatment is personalized based on age, disease severity, the location of inflammation, and response to previous therapies.
- Immune-suppressing medications: Reduce immune activity and intestinal inflammation.
- Biologics: Monoclonal antibodies that block specific inflammatory proteins.
- Corticosteroids: Useful during acute phases to control inflammation.
- Antibiotics: Indicated when infections or complications are present.
- Symptomatic medications: Anti‑diarrheal and pain‑relief drugs.
Treatment may be adjusted over time and often involves combinations of medications to maintain remission and prevent complications.
Lifestyle and Crohn’s Disease
Daily habits play a key role in managing the disease. Diet, sleep, physical activity, and stress management can help reduce symptoms and improve overall well‑being.
Crohn’s Disease and Diet: What to Eat
There is no single diet that works for everyone, but proper nutrition helps prevent malnutrition and weight loss.
During Flare‑Ups
When symptoms are active, it is advisable to:
- Eat small, frequent meals.
- Choose low‑fiber, easily digestible foods.
- Avoid irritating foods.
Generally well‑tolerated foods include:
- White rice and white bread.
- Cooked, peeled vegetables.
- Lean meat and fish.
- Eggs.
- Tofu.
- Peanut butter.
It is often helpful to limit:
- Alcohol.
- Coffee.
- Dairy products (in case of lactose intolerance).
During Remission
During periods of well‑being, it is important to follow a balanced diet that includes:
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Whole grains.
- Lean proteins.
- Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts).
A nutritionist or gastroenterologist can create a personalized eating plan and assess the need for supplements (vitamin D, calcium, iron, proteins).
Lifestyle: Helpful Habits for People with Crohn’s Disease
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of flare‑ups:
- Sleeping 7-8 hours per night.
- Reducing stress (yoga, meditation, psychological support).
- Quitting smoking.
- Maintaining good hand hygiene to prevent infections.
- Engaging in regular moderate physical activity.
When Surgery Is Needed for Crohn’s Disease
Surgery may be necessary in the presence of:
- Intestinal stenosis.
- Fistulas.
- Abscesses.
- A disease that cannot be controlled with medication.
The procedure generally involves removing the damaged section of the intestine and connecting the healthy parts. Surgery is not curative: the disease can return, which is why continuing therapy and specialist follow‑up is essential.
Book a specialist consultation for an assessment and a personalized care plan.