Self-Care Tips for Crohn’s Disease Flares

Step one, when you feel a Crohn’s flare coming on, is to let your doctor know, says Sara N. Horst, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and IBD Center in Nashville. “If you’re flaring, you may need a change in medicines or to start a different type of medicine,” she says. Your doc will help you make adjustments if necessary, and might also want to do a few tests to figure out what exactly is causing the flare—sometimes medication itself can be a trigger.

Crohn’s flares can be painful, and you may be tempted to reach for the ibuprofen bottle—but that can worsen symptoms, says Dr. Horst. “Make sure to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, Aleve, and Goody’s powder,” she says. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a safer bet, but ask your doctor first, says Neilanjan Nandi, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. And speaking of meds, have antidiarrheal medicines like Imodium at the ready, too, he says.

Diarrhea and frequent or urgent bowel movements are symptom numero uno for a Crohn’s flare, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. Stock your bathroom with quality supplies and soft toilet paper—it makes a difference, says Dr. Nandi. Also, keep a stash of baby wipes nearby to help sooth irritated and painful skin around the anus that often occurs during a flare, he says. Medicated pads like Tucks ($9.79, CVS) or Epsom salt baths may also offer some relief.

Your digestive tract is already inflamed during a Crohn’s flare—no need to aggravate it further with the food you’re eating. “Changing the diet drastically to a BRAT [bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast] diet initially can help lessen abdominal pain and cramping,” says Dr. Nandi. That said, the BRAT diet can leave out important nutritional needs, he says, so make sure you’re getting protein in your diet during a flare, too. And watch out for high-fiber foods, which can exacerbate diarrhea, says Dr. Horst.

When you’re losing more fluid than usual due to diarrhea or rectal bleeding during a Crohn’s flare, you can get dehydrated fast. It’s super important to make sure you’re taking steps to rehydrate, says Dr. Nandi. That may mean keeping a big water bottle at your side throughout your flare, but you may also want to try sports drinks like Gatorade, he says—these can help pump important electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and magnesium, back into your body.

When you flare unexpectedly, the last thing you want to do is worry about what’s going on at the office. “Get familiar with what your job’s resources are,” says Dr. Horst. Understanding your company’s sick leave policies before you need to rely on them can help relieve stress during a flare. Also, consider giving your boss a heads up about your condition if you feel comfortable, says Dr. Horst—you don’t need to go into graphic detail, just enough so it’s clear this is a true medical emergency!

A Crohn’s flare can totally deplete you of energy. Don’t underestimate the importance of rest, says Dr. Horst. Make sure you’re getting seven to nine hours at night, and don’t be afraid to nap during the day. Having friends and family help out with daily tasks can be a great way to save energy. And remember—rest is a priority when you’re not in a flare, too: “We know that in Crohn’s, a lack of sleep or poor sleep may increase the risk of flares,” she says.

Stress may be a fact of life, but it’s also a major trigger for a flare. Find ways to help keep stress under control: “Whether that’s yoga, therapy, watching bad TV, exercising, or playing with your kids or pet—whatever it is, it’s an important part of managing Crohn’s,” says Dr. Horst. While this is a vital prevention strategy, many of these activities—like gentle stretching or your favorite reality show—can come in handy to help you relax and refocus during a flare, too.

Mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or guided imagery can help lessen feeling of pain during a Crohn’s flare, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. The reason? They lower stress levels, a known flare trigger. The best time to start practicing mindfulness is before you’re in a flare, though, so make it a point to download that Headspace meditation app (Dr. Nandi-approved!) and give it a practice try now, when you’re healthy.

Crohn’s can look different from person to person, and that means the way you take care of yourself during a flare may differ from the Crohnie next-door. “Crohn’s is not one-size-fits-all,” says Dr. Horst. Take the time to track the things that may contribute to flares, as well as the self-care tactics that work best to help you feel better. (Keeping a log or journal may help.) And don’t forget to focus on preventing flares when you’re healthy, from taking your medication as directed to eating well, Dr. Nandi says.