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5 May 2010- Crohn's disease- with inflammatory bowel disease symptoms- is the inflammation of digestive tract. Inflammation in Crohn's disease can be anywhere in the digestive tract- mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, till anus. However, the most common portion affected by Crohn's disease is the ileum or the lowest portion of the small intestine (the place where it connects with the large intestine.) Living with Crohn's disease is a challenge for people suffering from it. However, management of crohn's disease is not so difficult and one can lead a normal life with a little precaution about diet and other things. Before knowing how to live with crohn's disease, one must know Crohn's symptoms to establish whether s/he really suffers from the disease?

Crohn's Symptoms- Knowing the Disease

Most of the Crohn's Symptoms are related to the gastrointestinal tract in some or the other way. However, there are certain symptoms of Crohn's disease that are not related to gastrointestinal tract. A list of Crohn's Symptoms will make the things clear.

• Diarrhea (sometimes persistent or recurrent diarrhea with or without blood, mucus or pus)
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Joint pain generally in knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, and shoulders. Sometimes such pain migrates from one joint to another.
• Skin lesions. Sometimes tender red nodules can be felt on the shins or calves.
• Mouth Ulcers
• Eye Inflammation

One of the characteristics of Crohn's disease is its uncertain nature of occurrence and severity. Crohn's disease has active periods that are called flare-ups which is followed by periods of remission. In this period of remission, Crohn's symptoms might disappear altogether.

How to Live with Crohn's Disease?

Living with Crohn's disease depends upon the severity of the disease. Its severity can be known by certain parameters like- number of bowel movements per day, appetite of people with Crohn's disease, and number of days in a month when the Crohn's disease patient has to reschedule his/her daily routine regarding home, office, social life etc. due to diarrhea, fatigue, fever, and other Crohn's symptoms.

Crohns Diet

Crohn's diet has to be rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, so that you do not suffer from nutritional deficiency.

• Avoid foods that cause inflammation during flare ups such as wheat, processed sugar, cow dairy products and processed foods.
• Take foods with high nutritional value containing Omega 3-6-9, vitamin D and vitamin B complex. You can even take diet supplements containing these nutritional elements.
• Take other supplements like probiotics, aloe vera etc.
• Avoid spicy food, especially during flare ups when soft, bland foods give maximum comfort to you from Crohn's symptoms.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages as they may worsen Crohn's symptoms by irritating the gastrointestinal tract.
• Lactose-intolerant people must restrict or avoid milk.

Lifestyle Changes

Living with Crohn's diseases means its efficient management through proper diet and nutrition, exercise, stress management among other things. Be prepared for some lifestyle changes and understand how you can better manage and live with Crohn's disease? You can very well lead an active and productive life with Crohn's disease too.

• Do regular exercise. However, consult your doctor before following any exercise program.
• Keep a positive attitude and engage yourself in an activity you enjoy, just to keep yourself motivated.
• Yoga is beneficial for inflammation reduction. Learn particular yoga postures (from yoga expert) prescribed for it and do it regularly.
• When going to attend any social event, inquire about the facilities in case you require them.
• Also find out about the menu and if it contains food that can aggravate Crohn's symptoms, ask for meal substitution if possible otherwise avoid having such food.
• Always take your medication with you wherever you go.
• Carry a water bottle and some re-hydrating solution with you every time. You might need them in case of chronic diarrhea that causes dehydration.

An important thing to consider is that emotional stress can influence the course of Crohn's disease so manage stress well. Be positive and live your life with Crohn's disease just by changing your lifestyle. That is the only mantra for living with Crohn's disease!