Emotional stress appears to play a part in Crohn's disease, and treatment often includes changing the patient's daily routine to reduce stress wherever possible. Nutrition is also important. Vitamin supplements and a well-balanced diet are recommended. Unless the patient's small intestine has narrowed due to scarring, the doctor may prescribe fiber supplements. Eventually a surgeon may have to remove the affected part of the small or large intestine because the disease is causing further medical complications.
Surgery can produce dramatic improvement, but the results are often temporary.
Flare-ups occur in another part of the intestine in over half the patients who have surgery. Stages and progress The first attacks of Crohn's disease usually appear when the patient is in his or her twenties. About a quarter of those who get the disease have only one or two attacks and never experience any further problems. But for the rest, attacks may recur at varying intervals ranging from months to several years. Prevention Because Crohn's disease is probably related to genetic factors, there is no way to prevent the disorder.