Ways to help

Unpredictable flare-ups are hard to cope with, disrupting school, work and social life. Talk to friends and family. Your GP can refer for counselling.

A liquid diet (enteral nutrition) helps rest the bowel for a few weeks. Special drinks with all the necessary nutrients can be taken instead of your usual diet.

If you think a particular food is triggering symptoms, see if avoiding it helps. Stopping smoking may reduce the risk of flare-ups. Avoid pharmacy medication, such as ibuprofen.

Crohn’s and Colitis UK (0300 222 5700; crohnsandcolitis.org.uk) has info and advice about medications, including about contraception, fertility and pregnancy if you have Crohn’s.