Crohn’s disease: What aggravates it, and how to avoid triggers

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the digestive tract, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue and weight loss. While there’s no cure, managing triggers can help reduce flare-ups and improve quality of life.

What aggravates Crohn’s disease?

Several factors can worsen symptoms and lead to flare-ups:

• Dietary triggers
  • High-fibre foods like raw vegetables and whole grains can be hard to digest.
  • Dairy products may cause discomfort in those with lactose intolerance.
  • Spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol can irritate the digestive system.
  • High-fat and processed foods may contribute to inflammation.
• Stress and mental health
  • Emotional stress can increase symptoms, possibly due to the gut-brain connection.
  • Anxiety and depression can worsen digestive issues.
• Medications
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may irritate the gut lining.
  • Some antibiotics can disrupt gut bacteria balance, potentially triggering symptoms.
• Smoking
  • Smoking is linked to more severe disease progression and higher relapse rates.
• Infections
  • Gastrointestinal infections can trigger immune responses that worsen inflammation.

How to avoid triggers and manage Crohn’s disease

• Adjusting your diet
  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals to ease digestion.
  • Choose low-fibre, easily digestible foods during flare-ups.
  • Stay hydrated, especially if experiencing diarrhoea.
• Managing stress
  • Practise relaxation techniques such as mindfulness and deep breathing.
  • Engage in regular physical activity to reduce tension.
  • Seek support from therapy or support groups.
• Medication and treatment
  • Follow prescribed treatments, including anti-inflammatory medications and immunosuppressants.
  • Speak to a doctor before using over-the-counter medications.
• Lifestyle changes
  • Stop smoking to improve symptoms and reduce complications.
  • Maintain good hygiene to prevent infections that may trigger flare-ups.

Identifying and avoiding personal triggers is essential for managing Crohn’s disease. By adjusting diet, reducing stress and following medical advice, patients can help minimise flare-ups and improve their quality of life.