Crohn’s Disease Flares: Causes, Symptoms & How to Manage Them
What is a Crohn’s Flare?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can cause inflammation anywhere along the digestive tract. While symptoms can be quiet for weeks or months, a flare occurs when inflammation becomes active again, leading to painful and disruptive symptoms.
Common Symptoms of a Crohn’s Flare
When a flare strikes, you may experience:
Abdominal pain and cramping
Diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus)
Fatigue and low energy
Unexplained weight loss
Fever or night sweats
Joint pain or skin rashes in severe flares
Symptoms vary by person and by which part of the gut is affected.
Common Triggers for Crohn’s Flares
While flares can happen without warning, some factors are known to increase risk:
Dietary triggers: High-fat, spicy, or processed foods
Stress: Emotional stress can worsen inflammation
Infections: GI infections can trigger flare-ups
Medication changes: Stopping or missing IBD medications
Smoking: Known to worsen Crohn’s symptoms and frequency
Managing a Crohn’s Flare
Treatment depends on the severity of your flare, but here are some general strategies:
Contact your provider early – Early intervention can prevent complications
Follow your medication plan – Steroids, biologics, or immunosuppressants may be used to calm inflammation
Eat a flare-friendly diet – Soft, low-fiber foods can reduce irritation (e.g., white rice, bananas, well-cooked veggies)
Hydrate – Diarrhea can cause dehydration; oral rehydration solutions may be helpful
Manage stress – Breathing exercises, gentle yoga, or guided meditation may help keep inflammation down
Long-Term Prevention
Preventing flares often requires a personalized plan:
Routine follow-ups with your gastroenterologist
Medication adherence even when you feel well
Food journal to track personal triggers
Quit smoking to reduce risk and severity of flares
Crohn’s flares can be unpredictable, but understanding your triggers and having a plan can make them easier to manage. Early communication with your care team, medication adherence, and lifestyle adjustments can help you stay ahead of flare-ups and maintain a better quality of life.