Independent patient education. Not medical advice or a substitute for professional care.

Emergency? Call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number.

Understand Crohn’s

Treatment and care

Treatment is individualized. This page explains general categories and the questions that can make a care conversation more useful.

The plan belongs to you and your qualified care team.

NIDDK describes treatment goals that include decreasing intestinal inflammation, preventing symptom flares, and maintaining remission. Medicines and surgery are among the broad treatment approaches clinicians may consider. Nutrition support and other care may also be part of an individual plan.

Questions worth asking

  • What is the goal of this recommendation?
  • How will we know whether it is working?
  • What risks, side effects, and alternatives should I understand?
  • What monitoring is needed and how often?
  • What should prompt me to contact the office sooner?
  • How does this plan fit with my other conditions and medications?

Do not start, stop, or change a prescription or supplement based on this website. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist about medication questions and interactions.