Home care

Here are some recommendations for taking care of yourself at home:

• Work closely with your health care provider to find the types of treatment that are best for you.

• Take your medicines exactly as you were told.

  • Let your provider know if you are having uncomfortable side effects.

  • Don’t stop taking your medicines without talking with your provider first.

• It may be helpful to stay away from certain foods for a little while. Depending on your condition, these may include caffeine (coffee, tea, and cola), spicy foods, milk products, and raw fruits and vegetables. For some people, these can be hard to digest and can make symptoms worse in a flare-up. Your provider may have you work with a nutritionist to come up with the best food choices for you.

• Try to eat several small meals a day instead of three large ones.

• Don't smoke. Tobacco smoking makes the disease worse.

• Go to all checkups even if you aren't having symptoms. Your provider will help you catch any problems early. This can help avoid long-term complications. Many treatments exist and will depend on your specific situation.

• Learn more about your condition. Try the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation at www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org or 800-932-2423.

Managing nutrition

You may be able to eat most foods until you have a flare-up. But like anyone else, you need to make healthy eating choices. Some of the healthiest foods can make symptoms worse, though. Keeping a food diary can help you learn which foods are "problem foods" for you. Ask your health care provider any questions you have about healthy eating. You can also work with a dietitian who specializes in inflammatory bowel disease. They can help make sure that you get proper nutrition.

When to call your doctor

Contact your health care provider right away if you have:

• Severe pain or bloating in your belly after meals.

• Sores in your mouth.

• Sores in your anal area (around your rectum).

• A fever of  100.4°F ( 38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider.

• Chills.

• A poor appetite or weight loss.

• A small amount of blood in your stool.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Skin rashes or skin that weeps (or drains).

• Changes in your vision.

Call 911

Call 911 if you have:

• A large amount of blood in your stool.