The 8 Most Embarrassing Questions About Crohn’s
Digestive HealthCrohn's Disease

8 Embarrassing Questions About Crohn’s — Answered

8 Embarrassing Questions About Crohn’s — Answered
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Updated on March 11, 2026
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If you have Crohn’s disease, you’re probably no stranger to some of the more inconvenient — and potentially embarrassing — symptoms of the condition. Loud noises, foul odors, and emergency dashes to the bathroom can be everyday concerns. And digestive symptoms are often accompanied by questions that can be tough to discuss, even with your doctor.

“Don’t be shy,” says Madalina Butnariu, MD, a gastroenterologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. “Tell me exactly what’s going on and what’s bothering you the most.” She says that’s the only way your doctor can help tame those symptoms.

Bring a list of questions to your next appointment, recommends Faten N. Aberra, MD, an associate professor of medicine in the division of gastroenterology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia. “Gastroenterologists are comfortable talking about these issues,” she says.

In the meantime, here are answers to eight Crohn’s questions that you may be hesitant to discuss.

1. How Can I Reduce Flatulence — and the Smell?

Everyone experiences flatulence; it’s normal to pass gas between 10 and 18 times each day.

 The gastrointestinal system produces gas when bacteria break down food, and infections and excess bacteria in the gut can increase it, Dr. Aberra says. When you’re constantly uncomfortable because of gas, some dietary changes can help.

“The key to reducing chronic excess flatulence is figuring out the reason for it,” Aberra says.

Start by avoiding foods with fermentable sugars and carbohydrates such as high-fructose corn syrup, honey, lactose, and certain fruits and vegetables. To temper any accompanying odor, avoid foods high in sulfur such as cruciferous vegetables and beer.

2. How Can I Prepare for a Crohn’s Bathroom Emergency Away From Home?

It’s always a good idea to scout out the nearest bathroom in advance so that you can make a dash whenever you need to. You can also request an “I Can’t Wait” card for free from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation to help you gain access to public restrooms quickly.

In many states, restroom access laws require retailers to allow people with Crohn’s and other conditions immediate access to a bathroom, Aberra says.

You can also try an anti-diarrheal medication to ease urgency when you’re traveling, but make sure you get the okay from your doctor. There are a number of situations in which people with Crohn’s should refrain from taking these drugs, such as during a flare, or when you have strictures. Additionally, using a fast-acting antispasmodic can help when you suspect that your bowels may act up.

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3. What if I Have a Bathroom Accident?

Tasha Weinstein, who has been living with Crohn’s disease for about 20 years, has talked about losing bowel control with her doctor on many occasions. Her best advice: Be prepared. “I carry emergency supplies in case I can’t make it to a bathroom in time,” Weinstein says.

Create an emergency kit that includes a change of clothes, clean-up supplies such as baby wipes, cornstarch, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and some plastic bags and gloves.

 This is a tough reality of living with Crohn’s, Weinstein says, but she recommends addressing the issue by being ready.

4. How Can I Quiet My Loud Stomach?

Loud stomach noises are a daily battle for Crystal Ware, who has been living with Crohn’s disease for more than 30 years. “My doctor has helped me recognize that diet plays some role in my Crohn’s symptoms, and has helped coach me on diet adjustments that help decrease the loud tummy rumbles,” she says.

She used a food diary to identify problematic foods and found that raw veggies like leafy greens, spicy foods, dairy, popcorn, apples, and beans are some of her worst offenders. “I know to avoid those foods if I want to reduce loud rumblings and smelly gas,” she says.

5. How Can I Ease Bloating?

Inflammation in the small bowel decreases the absorption of nutrients, letting more undigested food reach the colon, which can lead to bloating, feeling full, and experiencing flatulence, Butnariu says.

Your diet may make things worse, so start tracking symptoms by keeping a food diary or using a smartphone app to see what foods might be triggers. Certain fiber-rich foods, especially those with insoluble fiber, which can be found in foods such as apple skins, raw kale, and seeds, tend to aggravate gas and bloating and make you feel worse. Try to avoid these and any others that stand out in your food log, and speak to a dietitian about which fiber sources you can still incorporate into your diet.

6. How Can I Lessen Abdominal Cramping?

Cramps from Crohn’s disease can be very painful. Start by avoiding the same types of foods that tend to cause flatulence, such as fermentable sugars and carbohydrates, and see if that helps, Aberra says.

If you’re experiencing a Crohn’s flare, reduce your fiber intake, too. “If you experience other symptoms such as fever, abdominal distention, nausea, or vomiting, contact your doctor,” Aberra adds.

7. Why Do I Have Sores in My Mouth?

“Crohn’s can manifest outside of the gastrointestinal tract,” Aberra says. That can include in the mouth. In fact, mouth sores can signal active Crohn’s disease, aka a flare. They can also be caused by certain spices in your diet, or by nutritional deficiencies, including low levels of B12, iron, folate, or zinc.

These small, tender ulcers, sometimes called canker sores, often form on the inside of your cheeks or lips. They are quite common, occurring in about 10 percent of people with Crohn’s. See your doctor to confirm if Crohn’s is the cause and to talk about the best way to treat them.
Crohn’s-related mouth ulcers usually go away when the Crohn’s flare is under control. But in the meantime, you may be able to manage them with a steroid mouth rinse or other medications, Aberra says.

8. Is It Normal for Crohn’s to Cause Pain Back There?

Discomfort around your anus, also known as perianal pain, can be a sign of a Crohn’s-related complication such as a stricture, fissure, fistula, or abscess in the area, Butnariu says.

 For short-term relief, try soaking in a shallow tub of warm water (sitz bath) and then thoroughly drying the area.

It’s important to see your doctor if you’re experiencing perianal pain to address any issue that’s causing it — you may need medication or even surgery to repair the problem, Butnariu says.

The Takeaway

  • While many Crohn’s-related questions may seem too embarrassing to ask your doctor, experts say gastroenterologists are prepared to discuss any health-related concern with patients, without judgment.
  • Many issues related to Crohn’s symptoms can be solved by tracking them and changing your diet with the help of a registered dietitian.
  • Other concerns, such as bathroom accidents or bowel urgency, might be handled by preparing in advance.
  • Some issues are tied to potentially serious complications, however, such as pain in and around the anus, and will require a visit to your doctor.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
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  14. Crohn’s Disease. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
  15. Crohn's Complex Perianal Fistulas (CPF). International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. 2024.
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Yuying Luo, MD

Medical Reviewer

Yuying Luo, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine at Mount Sinai West and Morningside in New York City. She aims to deliver evidence-based, patient-centered, and holistic care for her patients.

Her clinical and research focus includes patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia; patients with lower gastrointestinal motility (constipation) disorders and defecatory and anorectal disorders (such as dyssynergic defecation); and women’s gastrointestinal health.

She graduated from Harvard with a bachelor's degree in molecular and cellular biology and received her MD from the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She completed her residency in internal medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she was also chief resident. She completed her gastroenterology fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital and was also chief fellow.

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Diana Rodriguez

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Diana Rodriguez is a Kentucky-based health news writer. She is skilled at turning confusing doctor-speak and complex medical topics into understandable language for readers. She is a managing editor at Mayo Clinic and has written extensively for HealthDay.

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