Managing Stomach Pain with Crohn’s Disease
There’s no universal treatment for Crohn’s disease, but some ways to manage stomach pain include medications, dietary changes, and stress relief.
Crohn’s disease is a long-term inflammatory bowel condition that impacts your digestive system. Common symptoms include stomach pain, cramping, and bloating.
The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation notes that these digestive symptoms can stem from several causes, such as:
- Inflammation in the gut
- Strictures (narrowing of the intestines)
- Stomach ulcers
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Certain foods
Since Crohn’s affects everyone differently, managing it isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. You may need to experiment to find what works best for you.
Below are some ways to help ease stomach pain if you have Crohn’s.
Adjust Your Diet
Some foods and drinks can trigger stomach pain or worsen symptoms (known as flare-ups). Here’s a breakdown of foods to avoid and foods that may help, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation:
| Foods to Avoid | Foods to Try |
|---|---|
| • Dairy (high in lactose) | |
| • Fatty foods | |
| • High-fiber foods (broccoli, beans, popcorn, nuts) | |
| • Raw fruits & veggies | |
| • Fried, greasy, or spicy foods | |
| • Added sugars | |
| • Alcohol | |
| • Caffeine | • Dry toast |
| • Rice | |
| • Eggs | |
| • Bananas | |
| • Applesauce | |
| • Chicken | |
| • Nut butters | |
| • Yogurt |
Keep in mind, food reactions vary from person to person. What bothers someone else might not affect you, and vice versa.
Tracking meals in a food journal can help pinpoint triggers. If you notice a pattern, try cutting out that food.
Eating smaller, more frequent meals (5–6 a day) can also help by easing digestion while keeping you nourished.
Try Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
Some OTC meds may relieve symptoms like diarrhea, gas, and bloating, including:
- Loperamide (Imodium A-D)
- Bismuth-subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
- Psyllium (Metamucil)
- Methylcellulose (Citrucel)
- Hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan)
If these don’t help, ask a doctor about pain relief options. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often recommended because it’s gentler on the stomach.
Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve)—they can worsen stomach pain or even cause ulcers.
Always check with a healthcare provider before trying OTC meds, as your symptoms could signal worsening inflammation needing prescription adjustments.
Explore Herbal Remedies
Some herbs may soothe stomach pain, such as:
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Peppermint oil
- Slippery elm
- Marshmallow extract
- Boswellia extract
These may reduce inflammation or support digestion. You can find them as teas, capsules, or powders.
However, research on their effectiveness for Crohn’s is still limited. Some herbs can also cause side effects or interact with medications, so talk to a doctor before trying them.
Reduce Stress
Stress can trigger or worsen Crohn’s symptoms, including stomach pain, by increasing gut inflammation and disrupting digestion.
Try stress-relief techniques like:
- Yoga, walking, or running
- Meditation
- Journaling
- Tai chi
- Deep breathing
Setting aside daily time for these practices can help.
Stay Active
Regular, gentle exercise may offer long-term benefits for Crohn’s, such as:
- Lowering gut inflammation
- Slowing disease progression
- Boosting immunity
- Reducing fatigue
Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise (or 75 minutes of intense exercise) weekly. If you’re new to working out, consult a doctor first.
When to See a Doctor
If stomach pain persists, your current treatment might not be working. A doctor can reassess your plan based on your symptoms and food diary.
Possible treatments include:
- Lifestyle changes (like quitting smoking)
- Oral meds (steroids, immunosuppressants, etc.)
- Biologic injections
- Surgery
Discuss all options with your doctor and ask any questions you have.
FAQs
What’s the best pain relief for Crohn’s?
It depends on your symptoms. Options include OTC meds, natural remedies, or prescriptions like antispasmodics, NSAIDs, or opioids.
How do you stop a Crohn’s flare-up?
Avoid trigger foods, exercise, manage stress, try OTC meds, or use herbal remedies.
What foods help calm Crohn’s?
Low-fiber, high-protein foods like eggs, chicken, tofu, bananas, and yogurt may help. Cut out anything that triggers symptoms.
What drinks are good for Crohn’s?
Water is best, but broths, smoothies, and rehydration solutions can also help.
Final Thoughts
Stomach pain, cramps, and bloating are common with Crohn’s. Managing it often involves a mix of diet changes, OTC meds, and stress reduction.
If symptoms don’t improve, see a doctor. They can adjust your treatment plan to better suit your needs.