Managing IBD

Managing IBD

Crohn’s Disease and Joint Pain: What’s the Link?

Researchers aren't sure why people with Crohn's disease often experience arthritis, but they have some ideas. It's common enough that doctors have a whole suite of tools for treating it.

Managing IBD

Yoga for Bloating with IBD

Certain yoga poses can stimulate digestive organs, helping to relieve painful bloating that sometimes occurs with inflammatory bowel disease.

Managing IBD

I Kept Forgetting to Take My IBD Meds — Here’s What Happened

I live with multiple chronic illnesses, so I sometimes forget to take my meds for any conditions that aren't flaring at the moment. But that can cause even worse flare-ups and complications down the road.

Managing IBD

I No Longer Dread Summer with IBD — Here’s Why

Rising temperatures can cause flare-ups of inflammatory bowel disease. But I've learned some strategies for making the most of summer without putting my gut health at risk.

Managing IBD

What an IBD Flare Feels Like to Me

I’ve lived with ulcerative colitis (UC) for nearly 20 years, so I can spot a flare coming on from a mile away — and take steps to minimize the symptoms.

Managing IBD

IBD and Fatigue: What’s the Link?

People with IBD may feel fatigue — a type of mental or physical tiredness that doesn't go away. Depression, common among people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, can also cause fatigue. Here's how to tease it out — and make it better.

Managing IBD

Beyond Ulcerative Colitis: Other Types of Colitis Explained

Ulcerative colitis is perhaps the most well known colitis. But other types of colitis can also cause uncomfortable — sometimes even scary — symptoms. Here's what you need to know.

Managing IBD

I Use Orgasms to Manage My IBD Pain

Orgasms helped me kick my dependence on opioids for pain relief. Once I discovered this, I never looked back.

Managing IBD

Should You Try a Clinical Trial as a Treatment Option? What to Know

Clinical trials may offer cutting-edge treatment options for your condition. Here's what to know.

Managing IBD

Don’t Sweat It: How to Keep IBD Temperature Changes in Check

It's common for people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease to wake up sweaty. Some lifestyle changes can help you keep night sweats in check.

Managing IBD

I Count on Cannabis for Relief from My IBD Symptoms

Cannabis is part of a holistic approach I use to help ease the stomach pain, nausea, insomnia, and other symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Managing IBD

6 Tips for Remembering Medications

It’s time to get organized. Here are six tips for remembering to take your medications from someone living with diabetes.

Managing IBD

Having a Crack at Chiropractic for Crohn’s

I tried everything I could think of for my severe bloating: exercise, abdominal massage, probiotics, and more. When I didn’t get relief, I decided to try visiting a chiropractor.

Managing IBD

Light at the End of the Tunnel: How to Manage a Crohn’s Disease Fistula

A fistula is an abnormal connection or "tunnel" between two body parts. These can develop in people with Crohn's disease, but medical and at-home treatments can ease the discomfort.

Managing IBD

Why Ulcerative Colitis (UC) Causes Back Pain and What You Can Do About It

UC is an inflammatory disease, so it can cause problems in many places in the body outside the gut, including the back. Medical and lifestyle strategies can help minimize the pain.

Managing IBD

I Was a Technophobe — Then I Got Tech-Savvy to Manage My Chronic Condition Better

I used to hate technology. Then, I learned it could help me manage costs, communicate quicker and more effectively with my doctors, and save me time and energy. And it wasn’t nearly as difficult as I’d imagined!

Managing IBD

Are NSAIDS Still Off Limits for People with IBD?

If you live with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, you’re still subject to the same fevers, aches, and pains as everybody else. You may even have other inflammatory conditions that require ongoing relief from pain and swelling, making it difficult to know which types of pain relieving pills are safe to pop. We break it down.

Managing IBD

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Prednisone for IBD?

You can enjoy 1–2 drinks per day if you're taking prednisone. However, alcohol and prednisone share many of the same side effects, so if you drink more than this, the combined effects may be more severe.

Managing IBD

The Medicinal Magic of Music

Bezzy RA guide, Ashley Boynes-Shuck, shares her relationship with music and how it's helped her through hard times.

Managing IBD

The 5 Things You Need in Your Holiday Recovery Toolkit

If you live with IBD and indulged in some favorite treats or experienced other kinds of stress around the holidays, you might be starting the new year with fatigue or tummy troubles. Here's how to get back on track.

Managing IBD

How Meditation Helps Me Manage My Pain

Try this beginner's meditation guide to soothe pain from chronic conditions.

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How Do I Know If My IBD Is in Remission?

How Do I Know If My IBD Is in Remission?

Managing IBD

Feeling Down in the Mouth with Crohn’s Canker Sores?

People with Crohn's may develop mouth sores, but they're easily treatable.

Managing IBD

How Long Does It Take for Prednisone to Work in IBD?

Prednisone is a fast-acting medication that should provide relief for acute symptoms of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease within a couple of days.

Managing IBD

Navigating Incontinence Challenges in IBD: Can Pelvic Therapy Make a Difference?

Pelvic floor therapy uses a range of techniques to help strengthen and stabilize the pelvic floor. This can help improve digestion, reduce pain, and improve bowel function and control for people who live with an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's or ulcerative colitis.

Managing IBD

A Guide to Crohn’s Disease and Skin Issues

Your IBD may be a factor in rashes, lesions, patches, and lumps that appear on your skin in various areas. Learn more here.

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How Does Crohn’s Affect the Eyes?

Inflammation is a hallmark of Crohn's disease, and it can show up in organs outside the digestive tract, including the eyes. Here's what to know.

Managing IBD

Accessing Accommodations at Work or School Can Feel Overwhelming. Where Do I Start?

Whether you are a student or in the workforce, you deserve to have your needs met. Asking for accommodations can be intimidating. This article will help you figure out your first steps.

Managing IBD

To Drink or Not to Drink with IBD?

The effects of alcohol on IBD seem to vary from person to person. For me, the medical consequences of drinking were worse than the social consequences of not drinking.

Managing IBD

Stuck on Acupuncture: How Needling Improved My Crohn’s Symptoms

My bloating is gone, I’m more regular, and I get 40 minutes each week of relaxing “me time” on the acupuncture table.

Managing IBD

What Is a Proctocolectomy?

A proctocolectomy is when a doctor removes the colon and rectum. The procedure will remove diseased tissue and eliminate symptoms, restoring quality of life.

Managing IBD

IBD Mistakes You May Still Be Making

There's more to managing Crohn's and UC than managing your diet.

Managing IBD

Tired? Decision Fatigue May Be to Blame

Decision fatigue is common in people with chronic conditions. Learn what it is and simple tips to manage it.

Managing IBD

New Biologics and Other Medications on the Horizon for IBD

As options expand, people with Crohn's or UC are more likely to be able to find a treatment that works well for them.

Managing IBD

We Need to Talk About The Financial Challenges of Living with a Chronic Condition

Living with a chronic condition can be expensive. We need to do a better job of providing resources and support to those who need it. Here are some of the ways that living with a chronic condition or disability can be costly, as well as some tips for ways to get assistance.

Managing IBD

When IBD Causes Symptoms Outside Your Gut

Inflammatory bowel disease can show up in other areas of the body, like the skin, eyes, liver, and joints. Here's what to be alert for.

Managing IBD

5 Ways I Built Healthy Habits with IBD

I knew I needed to change some habits, like eating more healthfully, exercising even when I don't feel like it, and communicating more with my partner, to get a better handle on my ulcerative colitis. Here's how I did it.

Managing IBD

Flu Season Is Upon Us: What Those Living with Chronic Conditions Need to Know

If you're living with a chronic condition, it's important to be aware of your risks and what you can do to lower your risk of catching the flu. Learn more here.

Managing IBD

The Importance of Building a Therapeutic Relationship with Your Doctor When You Live with IBD

A trusting, collaborative relationship often results in better care.

Managing IBD

I Tried the New Colonoscopy Prep So You Don’t Have To

A new type of prep eliminates the need to drink liquid laxative before a colonoscopy. It may easier and more comfortable for many people.

Managing IBD

The Preventive Healthcare Steps to Take When You Live with IBD

People with IBD are at higher risk for certain types of infections, cancers, and other health conditions. Be sure you know what preventive measures to take.

Managing IBD

Contemplative Practices Can Help When You Live with Chronic Pain

Pain has taught me a lot about who I am. My contemplative practice has been an important part of my journey into knowing myself.

Managing IBD

What It's Like to Have a Fistulotomy

My fistulotomy was one of the hardest things I've ever gone through, but now I'm so glad I did it!

Managing IBD

If IBD Affects My Gut, Why Am I Always So Fatigued?

Sometimes the IBD-related fatigue is worse than the bowel symptoms. Here’s how to deal.

Managing IBD

I’ve Created a Morning Routine for More Energy with IBD

My ulcerative colitis can leave me feeling drained and fatigued. This routine helps me stay energized.

Managing IBD

How to Navigate the U.S. Healthcare System When You Live with a Chronic Condition

Dealing with the U.S. healthcare system when you have a chronic condition can feel impossible, but it’s easier when you know what to expect.

Managing IBD

What’s New in IBD Research in 2022?

In 2022, researchers have learned more about IBD, including possible new treatments and why it occurs.

Managing IBD

Try a New (Sleeping) Position in the Bedroom

The way you lie down can make a difference in your IBD symptoms — and in your overall sleep quality.

Managing IBD

Antibiotics for Crohn’s Disease: What You Should Know

While they're not a cure for Crohn's disease, antibiotics can help prevent infections and treat complications of the condition. But can they cause flare-ups?

Managing IBD

How to Manage Acid Reflux with Crohn’s Disease

Tracking your symptoms can help you identify a connection between your acid reflux and IBD flare-ups. And different treatment choices, such as medication, diet, and lifestyle changes, can make your symptoms easier to manage.

Managing IBD

What Is Proctitis?

Proctitis is a condition in which the lining of the inner rectum becomes inflamed. The rectum is part of your lower digestive system.

Managing IBD

Crohn’s Symptoms: Know What to Watch For

Depending on its location, Crohn's disease symptoms can vary. Learn about the common signs and symptoms of each area, so you can help your doctor make the right diagnosis.

Managing IBD

Newly Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you've just received an ulcerative colitis diagnosis, you probably have lots of questions. Learn about symptoms, treatment, and what UC means for you.

Managing IBD

Anal Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Anal cancer is a rare form of cancer that affects the tissues of the anus. We explain what you need to know about its causes and how it’s diagnosed.

Managing IBD

What You Should Know About Ulcerative Colitis and Smoking

Smoking has been shown to reduce the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. But does this mean you should use nicotine as a treatment? Learn more.

Managing IBD

Antibiotics for Crohn’s Disease

Antibiotics can be effective in reducing symptoms and even decreasing the activity of Crohn’s disease. Understand the pros and cons, and learn if one might be right for you.

Managing IBD

Are Probiotics Good or Bad for Crohn’s Disease?

Can probiotics help manage your Crohn’s symptoms? Here's what the current research says

Managing IBD

Everything You Need to Know About Stool Samples If You Live with IBD

Collecting your first stool sample may feel daunting, but it's a painless, quick, and noninvasive way for your doctor to see what's going on in your digestive system.

Managing IBD

6 Tips for Coping with Hair Loss and Your Chronic Condition

Hair loss was a blow to my identity, but I'm slowly learning to come to terms with it.

Managing IBD

Immunocompromised? Here’s How to Navigate the Ever-Changing COVID-19 Guidelines

Understanding our unique set of concerns and protocols can feel dizzying. But there are actions you can take to protect yourself.

Managing IBD

How to Stay Hydrated with a Stoma

Those with a stoma are at high risk for dehydration. Luckily, you can still enjoy the warmer months by closely monitoring your body and focusing on hydration.

Managing IBD

What to Expect When Your Doctor Prescribes Prednisone for IBD

If you live with inflammatory bowel disease, here's what to know about prednisone and its side effects.

Managing IBD

Is Prednisone Making You Anxious? Here’s How to Cope

Prednisone can be a game-changer for stabilizing your IBD, but it may also mess with your mind.

Managing IBD

My Experience with the COVID-19 Vaccine and IBD

With the vaccine behind me, I feel hopeful for the future for the first time in over a year.

Managing IBD

7 Tips for Dealing with Erythema Nodosum If You Have IBD

Erythema nodosum is an uncomfortable, and relatively common, complication of IBD, but managing your symptoms is possible.

Managing IBD

7 Tips That Helped Me Maintain Weight in an IBD Flare-Up

While most symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease are invisible, weight loss is an extremely visible one that takes a physical and mental toll on those who experience it.

Managing IBD

10 Tips for Surviving Summer with IBD

Dehydration, symptom changes, and sun exposure can all poses challenges in the summer when you live with IBD. Learn to prepare so you can make the most of the longer, warmer days.

Managing IBD

My Search for a Crohn’s-Compatible Antidepressant

It was a long journey to find a medication that worked for me, but it was definitely worth the wait.

Managing IBD

6 Tips for Coping with IBD Fatigue

IBD fatigue is more than being “just tired.” These tips can help you manage it.

Managing IBD

Ask the Expert: COVID-19 Vaccines and Chronic Conditions

A pharmacist answers common questions among Healthline's chronic condition communities.

Managing IBD

What to Expect When You’re Expecting with IBD

There's nothing that says people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can't have healthy, successful pregnancies.

Managing IBD

How Virtual Care Has Changed My Chronic Illness Treatment

The option of virtual care used to be a dream for managing my chronic illness. It took a pandemic for that dream to come true.

Managing IBD

9 Tips for Surviving Your First PillCam

It might seem like a daunting experience at first, but this exciting piece of technology can help monitor your Crohn’s disease more effectively.

Managing IBD

10 Tips for Managing Life After Fistula Surgery

Fistulas are a common and severe complication of living with Crohn’s disease. After experiencing four abscesses, one anal fistula, and three surgeries myself, here are my top tips for managing life after your fistula surgery.

Managing IBD

How CBD and THC Help Me Manage Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

I had my reservations about it at first, but now I'm a true believer in the healing powers of cannabis.

Managing IBD

How to Manage Hair Loss as a Side Effect of IBD

Hair loss could be a head’s up that you need to address aspects of your condition in new ways.

Managing IBD

6 Tips for Making Colonoscopy Prep More Tolerable

Colonoscopy prep is no one's idea of a fun time, but there are ways to make the process more tolerable.

Managing IBD

Immunocompromised: How to Know If You Have a Weakened Immune System

If you have a compromised immune system, you can take actions to protect yourself and stay healthy.

Managing IBD

9 Tips for Coping with Long Hospital Stays

If you're living with a chronic condition, the last thing you want to deal with is a long hospital stay for a flare, complication, or surgery. Doing what you can to feel comfortable and care for your mental health can make it feel a little more tolerable.