Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the intestines, causing ulcerations. It can also affect other parts of the digestive system. A chronic disease, it has no permanent cure, but symptoms can be treated as they occur, either with drugs, dietary changes, or through surgery.

Many patients benefit from drug treatment, including steroids and medicines that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Symptoms of the diseases, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, tend to flare up after periods of remission, and may be controlled with anti-diarrhea medicines, antibiotics and painkillers. Muscle relaxants help to relieve mild to moderate diarrhea and abdominal cramps, while laxatives will help ease constipation. Very severe Crohn's disease is treated with a new intravenous drug called Infliximab.

Patients suffering from very frequents bouts of diarrhea may develop anemia and require iron supplements. While patients are advised to stay positive and upbeat, some do tend to get depressed and antidepressants can help to a certain extent in such cases.

Crohn's disease leads to complications like blockages in the intestine and abscesses, which may need surgical intervention. Surgery may be performed to remove a portion of the diseased bowel, or to drain an abscess, or even in some cases, to remove the entire colon. Surgery however is not a cure for the disease and efforts are made to restrict the amount of surgery to the minimum.

Diet plays an important role in the treatment of Crohns disease. Loss of appetite leads to a lack of proper nutrition. Patients must therefore ensure the intake of proteins, complex carbohydrates, oils such as Omega-3 fatty acids, and potassium-rich foods.

Doctors also recommend alternative remedies like acupuncture to relieve the symptoms of Crohns disease. Often the recurring symptoms cause stress, and stress reduction methods such as meditation can be helpful. While opinions vary on the benefit of exercise, certain studies indicate significant improvement among patients who undertake mild exercise such as walking. Such initiatives help a patient feel physically and emotionally stronger and better able to cope with the disease.