There are several questions asked by patients in the medical world about how they can be free from symptoms (pain and diarrhea) associated with Crohn’s disease. The process of being free from the symptoms is referred to as remission and it is the purpose of any treatment that will be given.
What Is Crohn’s Remission?
There are periods during the course of the disease, when it becomes inactive. This process is called remission. The immune system begins to work properly, so the patient becomes free from pains in the bowel and colon. [1]
It is possible to observe the following diseases if the disease is in remission:
- Absence of symptoms such as pain, diarrhea or fatigue.
- Blood tests will reveal normal inflammation levels.
- Crohn’s activity index (CDAI) may be lower than 150.
- Injuries in the bowel begin to heal.
- Patients can begin to have a normal life.
Is Remission the Same as a Cure
They are not the same thing. In most cases, people with Crohn’s go through cycles of remission and relapses. In the active state, you will experience symptoms of inflammation. In the active state, these symptoms are absent.
Flares normally last for weeks or months and you may experience diarrhea or cramps. Over 10-20 percent of patients have long-term remission after the initial flare. Early treatment increases the chances of going into remission.