Crohn's disease remission explained

Remission can describe feeling better, having fewer bowel symptoms, or having less inflammation on clinical testing. These do not always change at the same pace: you may feel well while inflammation remains, or have symptoms caused by something other than active Crohn's disease. Remission is therefore a state to monitor, not a reason to assume the condition has gone away. Your clinician may consider bowel frequency, pain, energy, weight, examination findings and test results when reviewing progress.

Continue prescribed treatment unless your clinician gives you a safe change plan. Keep appointments even when you feel well, and bring a record of new bowel changes, fatigue, joint symptoms or skin problems. Eat a varied diet that suits your tolerance, drink regularly and avoid smoking. Ask before using non-prescription anti-inflammatory medicines. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can review maintenance care, while a [Blood Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/blood-test/) may help check inflammation or anaemia when clinically appropriate.

Contact your care team if [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/) returns or persists, abdominal pain becomes frequent, blood appears in stool, appetite falls or you are losing weight. Seek urgent help for intense or worsening pain, a swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, faintness, severe weakness or difficulty keeping fluids down. Do not wait for a routine review when symptoms are escalating, because dehydration and bowel complications can develop quickly.

Ask how your clinician defines remission, which symptoms should be reported, how often monitoring is appropriate, and what to do if a dose is missed. Ask whether nutrition, vaccinations, travel or pregnancy planning affects your maintenance plan.