In addition to the medical treatment, medical monitoring, and guidance provided by the professionals at the center, several important tips can significantly contribute to the success of the treatment and the prevention of disease complications.
Do:
- Maintain a healthy diet, but avoid excess! There are many differences in nutritional recommendations among various experts, which can be confusing. Generally, it is advisable to minimize the consumption of white sugar-rich products, processed foods, animal fats, and products with artificial preservatives. These foods may be associated with inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases (and even without these conditions, they are unhealthy products that should be reduced). However, it's important to strike a balance between a good quality of life (associated with dietary freedom) and nutritional recommendations. Moreover, a restrictive diet without proper medical supervision can lead to nutritional deficiencies and a decrease in the caloric intake that the child needs. We recommend staying in touch with a dietitian to tailor the right diet individually for each child.
- Take care of your bones! Childhood years are critical for building bone mass that will support you throughout life. For various reasons, bone mass may be affected in inflammatory bowel diseases even if you don't feel it. It's essential to ensure adequate calcium intake (mainly from dairy and its products), monitor vitamin D levels in the blood, and supplement as needed, along with weight-bearing physical activity.
- Protect yourself from sun damage! Some medications used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases slightly increase the risk of skin cancer, making prevention especially important. Avoid exposure to the sun during peak hours, and always apply sunscreen with a high protection factor.
- Be aware of your mood! Seek help if you feel nervous, stressed, or anxious. Inflammatory bowel disease poses many challenges, and sometimes it is beneficial to seek assistance from professionals in coping with difficulties. Additionally, psychological stress can trigger flares, so it's essential to acquire coping tools. We recommend joining our coping workshops and closed Facebook group.
- Be attentive to your body! Learn what makes you feel good and what doesn't. Different foods may cause discomfort in certain children but not in others.
- Coordinate the use of antibiotics with the treating gastroenterologist! Certain antibiotic agents may be beneficial for inflammatory bowel diseases, while others may not. It's essential to adjust the type of antibiotic as much as possible to the specific inflammatory bowel disease.
- Get vaccinated!
- Participate in clinical trials in the fight against the disease! In our center, we lead many studies on Crohn's and colitis in children to find the best treatment for the diseases (for more information about our research, click here [link]). Sometimes participation in research also allows access to innovative treatments or tests not yet available routinely. However, make sure you understand the nature of the research and the alternatives fully. You have the full right to refuse, and we will never be upset if you choose not to participate in research; the treatment we provide will remain the same regardless. Nevertheless, it's worth remembering that we have no better way to learn how to improve the treatment we provide than from our patients through research.
Don't:
- Avoid smoking at all costs - even passive smoking! Smoking is the most significant environmental factor associated with worsening the disease identified to date. In addition to the known hazards of smoking, it is a major risk factor for complications and a more severe course of the disease. Smokers experience more flares, more complications, more surgeries, and a higher chance of relapse after surgery.
- Avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Naxin and Norofen; it is allowed to take Acamol and Optalgin if needed. These drugs may exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease, so it's advisable to use alternatives. If there is no choice, it is recommended to use the lowest possible dosage and for the shortest possible duration.
- Avoid making changes in treatment without coordinating with the medical team! It is important to ask the medical team questions about different treatment options and the pros and cons of each alternative. There is no substitute for an open discussion between the family and the treating physician to fully understand the treatment offered to you. After choosing a treatment path together, it's crucial to stick to it and ensure that any changes occur only after coordination and discussion with the medical team. We will never be upset if you express different opinions, and we will sit, listen, and explain. If you feel that you need additional medical opinions, do not hesitate to discuss them with us; it is your full right, and we will do our best to assist in the process.