Try the tips below to manage the most common Crohn’s disease symptoms.
Dehydration
Avoid dehydration by making sure you’re getting enough fluids. “The best thing people with Crohn’s disease can do is to be able to make lots of clear urine by drinking plenty of fluids,” says Peter Higgins, MD, PhD, the director of the inflammatory bowel disease program at University of Michigan Health in Ann Arbor.
Drinking at least 2 liters, or about 68 ounces (oz) of water a day can help, but you may need more to make up for any fluid loss due to diarrhea. You should also avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can cause you to lose more fluids through urine than you take in. Ask your doctor if you can stay hydrated well enough on your own or if you need to be rehydrated with intravenous (IV) fluids.
Discomfort From Diarrhea
Frequent bowel movements can create irritation in and around the anus. For relief, try the following:
- Use moistened wipes, making sure they’re alcohol free and safe for sensitive skin.
- Avoid using soap in the area until it heals, as soap can be drying.
- Avoid tight clothing and wear breathable cotton underwear.
- Wash around the anus after bowel movements by using a bidet, showering, or using a moistened wipe.
- Talk to your doctor about whether or not you can use an ointment or barrier cream to help ease itching or pain.
Abdominal Pain
Try these steps to reduce discomfort.
- Eat smaller meals, but eat them more often to get enough calories — the healing process increases your body’s energy requirements.
- Eat refined grains like white bread, pasta, and rice, and low-fiber fruits including bananas and cantaloupe.
- Avoid trigger foods, which differ from person to person, but often include high-fiber foods, anything with lactose, fried foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
Nausea
Talk with your doctor if nausea is keeping you from eating, drinking, or taking medications. Dr. Higgins says that some people might need anti-nausea medications that either dissolve slowly in the mouth, come in patch form, or are available as suppositories. You can also try to relieve nausea naturally by eating foods or drinking herbal teas with ginger, or trying aromatherapy using peppermint oil.
Weight Loss
Try these steps to maintain a healthy weight.
- Work with a dietitian on an eating plan for when you are in a flare.
- Look for high-calorie, nutrient-dense foods you can tolerate. Consider peanut butter, bananas, white rice, canned fruits, and cooked fish.
- Make sure you’re getting plenty of protein, as your body requires more protein to heal inflamed tissue.
- Keep a food diary or use a smartphone app to keep track of the calories you take in.
- If you don’t eat enough for more than a few days or you experience rapid weight loss, you may require immediate medical attention, so keep your doctor informed.
Fever
Fatigue
Higgins says fatigue should improve if you stay hydrated, manage your diet, and stick to your treatment plan, which should include maintaining adequate iron and B12 levels.
Mouth Sores
If mouth sores — aka canker sores or mouth ulcers — are part of a Crohn’s disease flare, ask your doctor about using prescription lidocaine jelly to manage discomfort, Higgins says. You might also be advised to use medicinal mouthwash for some mouth sores.
Make sure you don’t do anything to irritate the sores, such as eating acidic, salty, or spicy food or drinks. Eating softer foods might help avoid irritation, as well as using a straw.
Eye Complications
These self-care steps should help you feel more comfortable during a flare of Crohn’s disease symptoms.
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