February 2025: Smoking & Crohn's, plus Motilium alternatives you can actually consider

This month we published two practical guides: one on how smoking changes Crohn's disease outcomes and another on five real alternatives to Motilium for people needing digestive relief. Both pieces aim to give clear next steps you can discuss with your doctor, not vague promises.

Smoking and Crohn's — what you need to know

If you have Crohn's disease, smoking isn’t a small factor. Smokers are more likely to get Crohn’s and, after diagnosis, tend to have more flare-ups, need more steroids, and face higher surgery rates. That means quitting can change the course of the disease, not just your lungs.

Practical tips to quit: talk to your gastroenterologist about approved quitting aids, consider nicotine replacement (patches or gum), try structured programs or quitlines, and set a quit date with short-term goals. Expect setbacks; many people try more than once before they stop for good.

If you're worried quitting will worsen mood or make symptoms feel worse, mention that to your care team. They can help with support medicines and monitoring. The article breaks down what to tell your doctor and how to track symptom changes after you stop smoking.

Motilium alternatives in 2025 — five options and how to choose

Motilium (domperidone) helps some people with nausea and slow stomach emptying, but it's not right for everyone. Here are five alternatives we covered, with quick pros and cons so you can discuss them with your clinician.

• Metoclopramide: A commonly used prescription drug for nausea and gastroparesis. Pros: proven short-term effect. Cons: long-term use can cause movement side effects, so doctors usually limit duration.
• Low-dose erythromycin: An antibiotic that can speed up stomach emptying at low doses. Pros: helpful for some cases of slow gastric emptying. Cons: tolerance can build, and it has antibiotic-related risks.
• Ginger (supplement or tea): Natural option that helps nausea for many people. Pros: easy to try, generally safe. Cons: effects vary and it’s milder than prescription meds.
• Peppermint oil or peppermint enteric capsules: Good for bloating and some stomach discomfort. Pros: inexpensive and well-tolerated. Cons: can worsen reflux in some people.
• Diet and behavioral changes: Smaller, more frequent meals, low-fat choices, and pacing meals can reduce symptoms. Pros: no meds, sustainable. Cons: requires consistent habit changes and tailoring to your triggers.

How to pick: list your main symptoms, note other health issues and meds, and ask your provider about short trials to see what helps. If a prescription is suggested, ask about side effects and how long you can safely use it.

Want to read the full posts? Head to our site for the complete guides with examples, conversation starters for your doctor, and tips to track progress. If you have questions about your situation, your healthcare team should always be your first call.