Like many types of autoimmune diseases, Crohn’s disease can alternate between periods or remission (little or no symptoms) and flares (worsened symptoms). Of course, the goal of treatment is to maintain remission, but flares can occur even with a healthy lifestyle for Crohn’s and good medicine adherence.
Not addressing this increased inflammation could heighten your risk of complications, such as colon cancer. That’s because chronic inflammation damages healthy tissue in the body, leading to other potential health problems.
Dr. Hudesman is a professor in the Department of Medicine and medical director of the IBD Center at NYU Langone Health.
References
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. (n.d.). Environmental triggers.
Peppercorn, M.A., et al. (2023). Patient education: Crohn disease (beyond the basics). UpToDate.
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