Living with Crohn’s disease can feel like an uphill battle some days. Between unpredictable symptoms, flare-ups, and the impact on daily routines, it’s truly a condition that can take a toll on both your body and emotional well-being. But knowledge can be empowering, and understanding the symptoms—and exploring treatment options like Skyrizi—can make a big difference in managing life with Crohn’s disease. Let's break it all down in an easy-to-digest way.

What is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. While it can involve any part of the digestive system, it commonly targets the end of the small intestine (ileum) and the beginning of the colon. The exact cause isn’t fully understood yet, but doctors suspect it relates to genetic factors, an overactive immune system, and environmental triggers.

What makes Crohn’s disease so frustrating for many is how individualized it is. Symptoms, severity, and disease progression can vary significantly from person to person. Some may experience mild discomfort, while others face debilitating complications.

Although there’s no cure yet, the symptoms can be managed with the right treatment plan, and the quality of life can be improved.

Common Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

One of the biggest challenges of Crohn’s is how the symptoms can come and go. People often experience periods of active symptoms, called flare-ups, followed by times of remission where symptoms ease up. Here are the common symptoms you should know about:

  • Persistent Diarrhea: Diarrhea is one of the hallmark symptoms of Crohn’s, often leaving patients feeling drained and dehydrated during flare-ups.
  • Abdominal Pain and Cramping: Because Crohn’s inflames the digestive tract, pain is a frequent issue—usually around the lower-right part of the abdomen.
  • Fatigue: The combination of chronic inflammation, disrupted digestion, and the toll of managing the disease can leave you feeling worn out.
  • Unintended Weight Loss: Inflammation of the digestive system makes absorbing nutrients more difficult, leading to unexplained weight loss.
  • Fever: During active flare-ups, fever or chills can occur as your body responds to inflammation.
  • Rectal Bleeding or Blood in Stool: This symptom can be particularly alarming, signaling inflammation or tears in the intestines.
  • Mouth Ulcers: Crohn’s doesn’t stay confined to just your GI tract—it can cause painful sores in the mouth for some people.
  • Reduced Appetite: Nausea and abdominal pain during inflammation can make eating less appealing, compounding issues like malnutrition.

Crohn’s doesn’t just affect your body; it also has an emotional dimension. The unpredictability of symptoms can cause anxiety and stress, and many people find their social and professional lives impacted as well.

Why Timely Treatment Matters

Left unchecked, Crohn’s disease can lead to serious complications. Proper treatment is crucial, as intestinal blockages and abscesses can lead to malnutrition and joint inflammation. This is why it’s critical to work closely with healthcare professionals to minimize flare-ups, manage damage from chronic inflammation, and maximize time spent in remission.

One treatment option gaining traction is Skyrizi. If you’re exploring ways to treat Crohn’s disease, here’s what you should know about this FDA-approved therapy option.

How Skyrizi Works for Crohn’s Disease

Skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa) is a prescription medication specifically approved for certain moderate to severe cases of Crohn’s disease. If traditional treatments haven’t worked well for you or if you’ve experienced side effects from them, Skyrizi might offer a welcome alternative.

Here’s how it works:

Skyrizi is a biologic medication, which means it’s made from living organisms or cells rather than chemicals. It targets specific molecules in your body that are responsible for inflammation.

Specifically, it inhibits a protein called IL-23, a key player in the inflammatory process driving Crohn’s disease. By reducing inflammation at its source, Skyrizi helps to control symptoms and prevent long-term damage to the digestive tract.

The treatment is typically administered as an injection—initially with a loading dose to kickstart relief, and then as maintenance doses every 8 weeks.

Benefits of Skyrizi

For many people living with Crohn’s disease, Skyrizi can provide meaningful benefits:

  • Symptom Relief: Clinical trials have demonstrated that Skyrizi can significantly reduce symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain.
  • Longer Remission Periods: Skyrizi patients have reported longer periods without debilitating Crohn’s flare-ups.
  • Improved Quality of Life: Reducing the physical and emotional toll of Crohn’s allows patients to regain control of their daily activities while feeling more comfortable.
  • Convenience: After the initial doses, Skyrizi is administered just once every 8 weeks, fitting into a busy lifestyle without the need for frequent hospital visits.

While Skyrizi shows promise for many patients, it’s important to note that it might not be suitable for everyone. Discussing its potential risks and benefits with your doctor will help assess whether it fits you.

What You Should Know

Before starting Skyrizi, it’s essential to understand a few key points:

  • Possible Side Effects: Like any medication, Skyrizi can cause side effects. These may include upper respiratory infections, headache, fatigue, or injection-site reactions. Make sure to report any concerns to your healthcare provider.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: You’ll need routine check-ups and blood tests to ensure Skyrizi works effectively without causing unnecessary complications.
  • Insurance Coverage: Since Skyrizi is a specialized medication, you’ll want to check with your insurance company about coverage details to avoid surprises. Additionally, the manufacturer often offers assistance programs to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

The Importance of Personalized Care

While Skyrizi is a strong contender for treating moderate to severe cases of Crohn’s disease, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Your treatment plan might also include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and other therapies tailored to your unique needs.

Ultimately, Crohn’s disease is a complex condition that requires expert care. That’s why working closely with a healthcare professional who can guide you toward the most effective strategies for managing symptoms and improving your quality of life is essential.