Prevention of complications of Crohn's disease

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Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract and can sometimes lead to life-threatening complications. Although there is no cure for the disease, some of the dietary and lifestyle changes outlined below can help control symptoms as well as help prevent complications from Crohn's disease.

1. Know Your Own Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is an autoimmune disease that presents as chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The site of action is throughout the gastrointestinal tract, where the inflammatory response often spreads deep into the layers of intestinal tissue, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition, sometimes can lead to life-threatening complications.
Although there is no cure for Crohn's disease, there are ways to manage it that can significantly reduce the signs and symptoms of this disease, and even prevent complications. of Crohn's disease.
Accordingly, patients need to know what causes the disease, what are the risk factors, evidence-based treatments as well as warning signs of complications, to help early detection and intervention. early to avoid leading to irreversible permanent damage.

2. Be careful in drug treatment

On the basis of people with Crohn's disease, all drugs must be prescribed by a doctor before use. That's because some medications can trigger damage, like an acute episode of Crohn's disease, on the lining of the intestines, causing a stable condition to suddenly worsen.
For medications for Crohn's disease, adherence should come first. Even if the symptoms disappear and the patient feels completely comfortable, the patient should not stop taking the drug on their own. Abrupt discontinuation of the drug can cause inflammatory reactions to escape spontaneously, causing severe damage to the intestinal mucosa and possibly leading to intestinal perforation and intestinal obstruction due to adhesions. In case the drug causes side effects, instead of stopping the drug, the patient needs to report to the treating doctor so that the dose can be adjusted to a lower dose or changed to another group of drugs.
One thing to keep in mind is that patients with Crohn's disease should absolutely avoid taking NSAID pain relievers - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - including Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, as they can trigger the inflammatory response of Crohn's disease.

3. Adjust the diet

So far there is no solid evidence that what is ingested actually causes inflammatory bowel disease. However, there are certain foods and drinks that have been observed to worsen the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease, especially during acute episodes.
Therefore, the patient needs to remember or should have a food diary to keep track of what can and cannot be eaten. Before a new food, it is best to consult a gastroenterologist or experience it yourself. If this is a food that causes symptoms to flare up, the person should avoid that food next time.
Here are some suggestions for foods that may not be suitable for Crohn's patients:
Dairy products: Many people with inflammatory bowel disease notice problems such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. Gas will improve by limiting or eliminating dairy products in his meals.

High-fat foods: If the damage caused by Crohn's disease occurs in the small intestine, it is difficult for the patient to digest or absorb fat as usual. At this time, fat will pass through the small intestine quickly and cause severe diarrhea. So, try to avoid high-fat foods like butter, ice cream and fried foods. Fiber: In people with IBD, foods high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, can make symptoms worse. However, in case of just intolerance to raw fruits and vegetables, the person should switch to eating them when they are prepared such as steaming, baking or stewing. In cases where Crohn's disease has caused symptoms of intestinal narrowing, the patient may be asked to limit fiber. Irritant foods: Spicy, sour, hot foods, alcohol, and caffeine can make the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease worse. In addition, the patient needs to simultaneously develop other habits in the daily diet such as:
Eat small meals: The patient may feel better when he eats five or six small meals a day instead of two or three big meals. Drink plenty of fluids: Try to drink plenty of water every day. Water is the best solution. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages irritate the intestines and can make diarrhea worse, while regular consumption of carbonated drinks can cause bloating and gas. Take a multivitamin supplement: Because Crohn's disease can interfere with the gut's ability to absorb nutrients, a multivitamin and mineral supplement can be helpful. However, always consult your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements. Nutritional supplements: If the patient loses weight or the diet becomes very restrictive, it is necessary to consult a nutritionist to develop an appropriate menu and portion size.

4. Quit smoking habit

Secondhand smoke increases your risk of developing Crohn's disease once you have it and can make it worse. Even people with Crohn's disease who continue to smoke will have many recurrent acute episodes and sometimes require surgical intervention.
Therefore, quitting smoking is really necessary, both to improve the condition of the digestive tract, and to bring many other health benefits.

5. Reduce anxiety, stress

Although anxiety and stress do not cause Crohn's disease, they can make the signs and symptoms of the condition worse or trigger flare-ups.
It can be difficult to avoid the stress of everyday life, the person needs to learn ways to help manage it better, such as:
Exercise . Even gentle exercise can help reduce stress, reduce depression, and normalize bowel function. Regularly relax and practice breathing. One way to deal with stress is to regularly relax and use techniques like deep, slow breathing to stay calm. Patients can join yoga and meditation classes or use books, watch videos at home. Anti-anxiety medication. Some people have digestive problems and have been prescribed some form of anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medication and have shown positive results.

6. Apply some natural remedies

Herbs: Certain herbs or natural extracts have been shown to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort in patients with Crohn's disease. However, always consult with your doctor before deciding to try any herbal supplement.
Probiotics. There is some evidence to suggest that certain probiotic products can help people with Crohn's disease maintain remission between acute attacks. Fish oil. Studies done on fish oil to treat Crohn's initially show few benefits. In summary, Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of an autoimmune nature. Inflammatory lesions of the intestinal lining can sometimes lead to dangerous Crohn's disease complications. However, with the above knowledge and compliance, patients will be able to reduce the discomfort caused by this disease and improve their quality of life in the long run.

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