Home Treatment
If
does not cause symptoms, no treatment
is needed. Mild symptoms may respond to
antidiarrheal medicines or changes in
. For more information about making good food choices,
see:
Bowel Disease: Changing Your Diet.
In general, doctors recommend that you do not use
(NSAIDs), such as
ibuprofen or naproxen. These medicines may cause flare-ups
of Crohn's disease. But some people may be more
likely to have flare-ups from NSAIDs than others. Talk to your doctor about
whether to avoid these medicines.
If you have had or are planning
to have surgery that will create an opening from the intestines to the outside
of the body through which stool passes (ostomy), you may feel self-conscious or
embarrassed. After a period of adjustment, most people are able to resume all
of their usual activities. In fact, life may be better than it was before
surgery because you may no longer suffer painful symptoms. Support groups are
available for people with ostomies. For more information on taking care of your ostomy, see:
- Bowel Disease: Caring for Your Ostomy
Children who have Crohn's disease may feel self-conscious
if they do not grow as fast as other children their age. Encourage your child
to take medicine as prescribed. Offer help with the treatment so that your
child can feel better, start growing again, and lead a more normal life.
Children tend to have a harder time managing the disease than adults, so your
support is especially important.