Diagnosed With Crohn’s Disease? Do These 6 Things First

If you recently learned that you have Crohn’s disease, you’re not alone. According to the National Institutes of Health, roughly 1 million people in the United States are living with this digestive condition. And those numbers are on the rise.

While receiving a diagnosis can be a relief, coming to terms with managing a chronic condition like Crohn’s can be overwhelming. To help you navigate your diagnosis, we asked gastroenterologists what to do first. Here’s what they told us.

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1. Find the Right Doctor

Finding a gastroenterologist who specializes in inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s, is a crucial first step. After all, you’ll be establishing a relationship with your provider to help manage this condition for the long term, so you want to find someone you feel you can communicate with openly, says Asma Khapra, M.D., a Fairfax, Virginia-based gastroenterologist with Gastro Health. Because Crohn’s research is constantly evolving, you’ll also want to find a provider who is up to date on the most recent management and treatment options. 

Once you’ve found a specialist you can trust, they will help you create a personalized treatment plan, monitor for complications, and coordinate care with other health care providers as needed, says Ritu Nahar, M.D., a gastroenterologist with Allied Digestive Health in New Jersey. 

2. Read Up

Khapra and Nahar agree that learning about Crohn’s is a critical first step after diagnosis. Finding out as much as possible about lifestyle changes and treatment options can bolster your confidence in managing your condition. If you’re not sure where to start, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is an excellent resource for learning more about Crohn’s and connecting with others, say Khapra and Nahar.

3. Fine-tune Your Diet 

You may have noticed that certain foods tend to set off your symptoms. While everyone has different triggers, some foods and beverages are especially likely to cause discomfort. These include alcoholic and caffeinated drinks, gluten, dairy, high-fat foods, and certain fruits and vegetables that are rich in carbohydrates called FODMAPs (short for fermentable oligo-, di- and monosaccharides and polyols).  If that sounds like a long list, keeping a food journal can help you pinpoint which foods spell trouble for you. Working one-on-one with a dietitian can also help you identify any potential trigger foods and find nutritious substitutions.

Of course, you may be wondering if there is a special diet that can help. The answer is yes and no. Even though there isn’t a specific Crohn’s disease diet, research has found that anti-inflammatory eating plans such as the Mediterranean diet may provide relief. When you are having a flare-up, following a low-residue diet with easily digestible foods—like white rice, cooked vegetables, bananas and lean protein—can also help, says Nahar. Once your symptoms subside, it’s essential to return to a balanced diet to lower the risk of nutrient deficiencies. 

4. Supplement Strategically

Certain nutrient deficiencies are more common in Crohn’s due to malabsorption. In addition, some Crohn’s medications increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. “Nutritional supplements, like vitamin D, calcium or B12, are often necessary to address deficiencies, and nutritional shakes can support calorie intake during active disease,” explains Nahar.

You may also benefit from probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, to support gut health. And research reveals that the turmeric-based compound curcumin may help decrease intestinal inflammation. If you’re considering a supplement, be sure to speak with your health care practitioner first. They can provide individualized guidance on the type and dose of supplements that are best for your unique needs. 

5. Establish a Personalized Treatment Plan

Everyone’s Crohn’s disease experience is different. Your gastroenterologist will play a key role in developing a personalized treatment plan for you, which is why it’s so important to find someone you trust. In addition to diet, medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants or biologics will be essential for disease management, explains Nahar. “The choice of treatment depends on the severity and extent of the disease, and antibiotics may be necessary if complications like abscesses or fistulas are present,” she adds.

Nahar also recommends keeping a symptom journal to keep track of patterns in your bowel habits, triggers like food or stress, and responses to treatment. Bring your journal to your appointments so you can talk through the information with your gastroenterologist and decide whether adjustments need to be made to your treatment plan. And be sure to ask about preventive health measures like colonoscopies, as people living with Crohn’s are at higher risk of developing colon cancer.

6. Seek Support

“Mental health is as important as physical health,” says Khapra. So, it’s important not to neglect either one, especially since stress can wreak havoc on your digestive health. Research reveals that people living with Crohn’s are especially prone to stress, particularly during flare-ups.  

“A good support network, be it friends or family, can be a sounding board or provide help when needed,” says Khapra. One of the best ways to minimize stress? Maintaining strong connections with those you love and who support you. In addition, many people find that connecting with others who have Crohn’s in a support group can be a valuable asset for navigating a new diagnosis.

What Is Crohn’s Disease?

“Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract [and is] part of a group of conditions known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD),” explains Nahar. “It can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, but most commonly involves the small intestine and the colon.” 

The symptoms of Crohn’s disease can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, anemia, fatigue and more. Because these symptoms can come and go, you may often have periods of flare-ups and remissions. 

What causes Crohn’s? “We don’t know the exact cause, but it is thought that people generally may have a genetic disposition to IBD,” says Khapra. While that on its own may not cause the disease, a second “hit” such as infection or antibiotic use is believed to trigger the illness, she adds. 

The Bottom Line

Learning that you have Crohn’s disease can be overwhelming, so take it one day at a time. The first step is finding a gastroenterologist you can communicate with openly, as they will be an essential part of your journey. Then, try to learn as much as possible about your condition and the best ways to manage it, including diet, medication and supplements where appropriate. Finally, don’t overlook the importance of a solid support system and stress management. They’re key to helping you succeed in managing your Crohn’s so that you can get back to living your best life!