Q I was diagnosed with Crohn's but still smoke. Do I absolutely have to quit?
A Yes, smoking is one of the strongest aggravating factors for Crohn's. Smokers have more than double the relapse rate of non-smokers and a higher likelihood of surgery. Quitting smoking is management you should practice before any treatment.
Detailed Answer
Nicotine and harmful substances in cigarette smoke lower gut microbial diversity and reduce blood flow to the intestinal mucosa, hindering inflammation recovery. There is strong evidence that smoking raises the frequency of relapse, surgery rates, and fistula occurrence in Crohn's, and guidelines recommend smoking cessation without exception. Studies also show relapse rates decrease significantly within 6 months to 1 year after quitting.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Korean medicine views smoking as "accumulating heat in the lungs that then transfers to the intestines," and quitting alone considerably improves the gut environment. Quitting smoking while undergoing herbal treatment creates great synergy, and we also manage the stress of the cessation process in the Korean medicine way.
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