Treatment for mild Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory condition that can affect different parts of the digestive tract. Mild symptoms may include intermittent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, urgency, tiredness or reduced appetite, although symptoms vary. A person's treatment plan depends on where inflammation is found, how active it is, previous treatment and other health needs. Symptoms can change over time, so feeling better does not always mean inflammation has fully settled.

Arrange a GP Consultation or specialist review to discuss the pattern of symptoms and a plan for monitoring. Assessment may include a Blood Test and other investigations if needed. Take prescribed medicine as directed and report side effects rather than stopping it suddenly. Keep a diary of bowel frequency, pain, food triggers, fever and weight change. Drink enough fluid, choose foods you tolerate and seek personalised nutrition advice if eating is difficult. Avoid smoking, and ask before using anti-inflammatory pain medicines or anti-diarrhoeal products.

Contact a clinician promptly for worsening diarrhoea, persistent abdominal pain, fever, repeated vomiting, blood in the stool, marked fatigue or difficulty maintaining fluids. Seek urgent help for severe or rapidly increasing pain, a swollen abdomen, fainting, confusion, or inability to keep fluids down. These changes may need examination to check for dehydration, obstruction, infection or more active inflammation rather than simply adjusting treatment at home.

How active does the disease appear to be, and which area is affected? What monitoring is needed? Which medicine fits my symptoms and other conditions? What should I do during a flare, and which warning signs require urgent care?