Living with Crohn's disease: what to know

Crohn's disease is a long-term inflammatory condition that can affect parts of the digestive system. Symptoms can change over time and may include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, tiredness, reduced appetite or weight change. A flare can be followed by a period with fewer symptoms, but inflammation may still need monitoring. Symptoms do not always show how active the condition is, so planned assessments matter even when you feel better.

Take prescribed treatment consistently and do not stop it because symptoms improve unless your care team advises you to. Keep a simple record of bowel frequency, pain, food tolerance, energy and medicines; this can make changes easier to describe. Aim for nourishing meals and adequate fluids, while noticing personal food triggers rather than removing broad food groups without guidance. Avoid smoking, attend reviews, and ask whether blood tests or dietary support are appropriate.

Seek urgent help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen with vomiting, heavy rectal bleeding, fainting, confusion or signs of dehydration. Contact your care team promptly if diarrhoea or pain is increasing, you cannot eat or drink normally, you develop fever, or your usual treatment is no longer controlling symptoms. A GP consultation can help coordinate assessment, while a blood test may help check inflammation, anaemia or dehydration.

Ask: What signs suggest a flare? Which symptoms require urgent help? How should I take my medicines during vomiting or diarrhoea? Do I need blood tests or nutrition advice? What is the plan if treatment is not controlling my symptoms?