Crohn’s Disease, a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), is a chronic condition that may require attention in your daily life. You are your own best advocate in finding the best ways to manage your condition. Your doctor, family, and friends can be a circle of support for assistance and information. Understanding what a Crohn’s Disease flare ups (or flare-up) is and ways to manage it may help you control your symptoms and lengthen the time period between flare-ups.
A flare is a reappearance or worsening of disease symptoms. A new occurrence or worsening of existing symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody stools, frequent or urgent bowel movements, fatigue, weight loss, and lack of appetite, may indicate a flare-up.
Some of the possible factors that can result in a flare-up are:
- Non-adherence to medication directions, including skipping, missing or taking the wrong dose
- Taking medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics, can worsen returning symptoms
- Stress
- Smoking
