What is Remission?

Remission is the stage of Crohn’s when the disease is not active, which means inflammation stops causing painful damage to the bowel and colon because the immune system is working as it should. The desired outcome of Crohn’s patients is to enter or stay in a stage of remission. When in a stage of remission, patients are hesitant to change their treatment or lifestyle at the risk of flare-up.

Most patients with Crohn’s go through cycles of remission and relapses. Flares could last for weeks or months, and patients might have mild diarrhea or cramps. About 10%-20% of people have long-term remission after the first flare. Consistent treatment makes it more likely that patients will go into remission and stay there.