Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause inflammation and damage to the digestive tract, particularly the small and large intestines. People with Crohn's disease often experience periods of flare-ups, where symptoms become more severe, and remission, where symptoms become less pronounced. While Crohn's disease affects each person differently, a Crohn's flare-up can be a challenging and uncomfortable experience. In this article, we will explore what a Crohn's flare-up feels like and how to manage these symptoms.

Symptoms of Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on where inflammation occurs and how severe it is. Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease and the majority of symptoms are gastrointestinal, but the condition can affect other parts of the body as well.

Symptoms of Crohn's disease include:

• abdominal pain and cramping
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• anemia
• joint pain
• skin rashes
• eye inflammation
• mouth sores
• anal fissures, or tears

(Source, Source)

What Does a Crohn's Disease Flare-Up Feel Like? 

A Crohn's flare-up occurs when symptoms of Crohn's disease increase. Flare-ups can be unpredictable and may last for several days or weeks. Due to the individual nature of Crohn’s disease, a flare-up is a somewhat subjective experience; any of the following may occur.

• Abdominal pain and cramping are common symptoms of Crohn's disease. During a flare-up pain may be more severe and persistent, and may be either localized to a specific area or spread throughout the abdomen. Some people may also experience cramping or spasms.
• Diarrhea is a common symptom of Crohn's disease, and during a flare-up the frequency and urgency of bowel movements often increase. The stool may be loose and watery, and may contain blood or mucus.
• Fatigue is another common symptom that is often more severe during a flare-up. You may feel especially weak and find it difficult to carry out your regular daily activities.
• Loss of appetite or aversion to food during a flare-up can lead to weight loss and malnutrition if not managed properly.
• Joint pain may be more severe and widespread during a flare-up. Additionally, you might experience joint swelling, stiffness, or a reduced range of motion.
• Skin rashes sometimes occur with Crohn's disease, and during a flare-up the rashes may be more severe or widespread. 
• Eye inflammation may also be more severe during a flare-up.

(Source, Source, Source)

Managing the Crohn’s Flare-Up

Managing symptoms of a Crohn’s flare-up is essential to maintaining your quality of life. Here are some strategies to help manage flare-up symptoms.

Follow a Therapeutic Diet

A therapeutic diet can help manage Crohn's flare-up symptoms. Avoiding foods that may trigger inflammation, such as dairy products and high-fat and spicy foods, can help reduce symptoms. A low-fiber diet may also be recommended during flare-ups, as it can help reduce inflammation and allow the intestines to rest. It can be helpful to work with a health care provider or a nutritionist to create a personalized diet plan that meets your specific nutritional needs, and the team at WellTheory are experts in doing just this. (Source, Source)

Take Prescribed Medications

Taking medication can help manage Crohn's flare-ups. Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators, and biologics can help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. Even if your symptoms improve, it’s important to keep taking your medication as prescribed by your health care provider to prevent symptoms from coming back. Additionally, you can try over-the-counter medications, such as loperamide (to help with diarrhea) or acetaminophen (to help with pain), but always talk with your provider before using these drugs. (Source)

Manage Stress

Stress can trigger Crohn's flare-ups, so it’s essential to try your best to manage your stress level. Consider practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Exercise can also help you de-stress while also improving your overall health. Emotional stress can also contribute to a flare-up, so you may want to consider counseling or therapy to help with the emotional challenges of living with a chronic illness. Additionally, certain foods such as dark chocolate, bananas, and ginger may help modulate your stress levels. We know managing stress is easier said than done, so we’ve put together a list of 27 ways to manage your cortisol level and decrease stress. (Source, Source)

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential to managing Crohn's flare-up symptoms. Inflammation can limit absorption of water and electrolytes, and you can lose a large amount of water due to diarrhea. It’s especially important to be conscious of your water intake and try to drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration. In some cases, water should be supplemented with electrolytes. (Source)

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is important for everyone, but it is particularly key to managing Crohn's symptoms. Lack of sleep can contribute to increased production of cortisol, which can increase your stress level and worsen symptoms. To improve your sleep habits, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and create a relaxing sleep environment. (Source, Source)

Practice Good Hygiene

Having Crohn’s disease makes you more likely to get an infection than the average person, especially if you are taking medications that suppress your immune system. Sometimes an infection in your digestive tract can cause a flare-up, so practicing good hygiene is important to keep this from happening. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or before preparing food. Avoiding contact with people who are sick can also help prevent infections that can trigger flare-ups. (Source, Source)

Visit Your Provider Regularly

It’s important to see your health care provider regularly and have an open conversation about how you’ve been feeling. This is the best way to ensure your treatment and symptom management plan is working for you. (Source)

When Should You Go Get Medical Care For a Flare-Up?

While you should reach out to your health care provider for their professional medical advice any time you’re concerned about your symptoms, there are certain situations in which you should visit a hospital or your medical provider, such as if you develop:

• severe abdominal pain
• nausea or vomiting lasting for more than a day
• significant weight loss
• rectal bleeding/sores
• a fever that lasts for more than 3 days, or is higher than 100.4 °F (38 °C) without an obvious reason 

(Source)

Common Flare-Up Triggers

Though the exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, there are some common flare-up triggers that you can aim to minimize or avoid. 

Stress

As mentioned above, stress is a common trigger for many people with Crohn's disease. When you're under stress, your body releases a hormone called cortisol, which can increase inflammation and lead to a flare-up of symptoms. (Source, Source, Source)

Certain Foods

Certain foods can trigger Crohn's disease symptoms, especially during a flare-up. Some common triggers include dairy products, spicy foods, high-fiber foods, and foods that are high in fat. It can be helpful to keep a food diary to identify which foods trigger your symptoms. You may also want to work with a professional to develop a personalized eating plan that meets your nutritional needs while avoiding trigger foods. (Source)

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen may make Crohn's disease symptoms worse by increasing inflammation in the gut, although the research is mixed on this effect. If you need to take pain medication, talk to your health care provider about which options are best for you. (Source, Source, Source)

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Smoking

Smoking is a well-known risk factor for developing Crohn's disease and can also worsen symptoms in people who already have the condition. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do to manage your Crohn's disease symptoms. (Source, Source)

Alcohol

It is well established that alcohol increases inflammation, and drinking may stimulate Crohn’s flare-ups by irritating the digestive tract. If you do choose to drink alcohol, try to drink in moderation and talk to your health care provider about ways to minimize the potential risks. (Source)

Lack of Sleep

Sleep is essential for overall health, and it's particularly important for people with Crohn's disease. Lack of sleep can weaken your immune system, increase inflammation, and trigger a flare-up. (Source)

Infections

Infections can trigger Crohn's disease symptoms, especially in people who have a weakened immune system. If you do get sick, talk to your provider about how to manage your symptoms and prevent complications. (Source, Source)

The Bottom Line on What a Crohn’s Flare-Up Feels Like

Crohn’s disease flare-ups often feel like more painful and persistent versions of regular Crohn’s symptoms. Although symptoms can be highly debilitating, managing your Crohn's flare-ups is possible with a comprehensive approach that includes following a therapeutic diet, taking prescribed medications, managing stress, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and practicing good hygiene. There are also certain triggers, such as foods and drugs, which you can avoid. Along with the medical treatment offered by your health care provider, the autoimmune experts at WellTheory can help create a personalized care plan that meets your individual needs. 

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