Prevention

Crohn's disease cannot be prevented, because the cause is unknown. But you can take steps to reduce the severity of the disease.

• Medicines taken regularly may reduce sudden (acute) attacks and keep the disease in remission (a period without symptoms).
• Most experts recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol, for example) for pain relief rather than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. NSAIDs have been linked to flare-ups.
• Do not smoke. Smoking makes Crohn's disease worse.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Never use antibiotics unless they have been prescribed for you by a doctor.
• Get regular exercise.

Home Treatment

If Crohn's disease does not cause symptoms, no treatment is needed. Mild symptoms may respond to antidiarrheal medicines or changes in diet and nutrition. For more information about making good food choices, see:

Bowel Disease: Changing Your Diet.

In general, doctors recommend that you do not use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (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.