Managing UC Flare-ups
Living with ulcerative colitis can be a challenge. But you got this.
When you have UC, you may be thinking, “Will my condition flare up?” “What can I do when it does?” “How will I cope?” You’re not alone in those thoughts. Here, you’ll find helpful info that can help answer some of those questions you may be asking yourself.
First Things First: What Is a Flare?
A flare-up is the return or worsening of your symptoms. With inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), like ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease, specific symptoms will depend on which condition you have and the part of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract that’s inflamed. This inflammation can lead to a symptom flare-up.
Ulcerative colitis is chronic—over time, your symptoms can change, or get worse. When you’re experiencing a flare-up, it’s necessary to talk to your doctor; be precise about any differences in your symptoms or changes to your condition over time.
How much of your time is your UC impacting? Find out and make a personal action plan
What Can Affect UC Flare-ups?
These are possible factors that could worsen symptoms and influence a flare:
- Missing, skipping, or taking the wrong dose of medication—Flare-ups can result from not taking medications as prescribed. If you’re taking your medication as prescribed and still experience flares, talk to your doctor about possibly changing the dose, frequency, or medication.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—Aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen are medications that could worsen returning symptoms and lead to inflammation.
- Antibiotics—Used for treating bacterial infections, they also change the bacteria in the intestine. These changes to the bacteria may cause diarrhea or inflammation. Tell your doctor if you’re taking antibiotics and experience a UC flare-up.
- Smoking—Cigarettes not only raise the risk of developing UC, but they can also trigger flares.
- Stress—Whether it be emotional or physical, stress doesn’t cause UC, but it can affect symptoms.
- Foods that irritate your GI tract—There’s no evidence that food can cause or cure UC, nor is there any evidence that it can cause a flare. But during a flare-up, food can affect your symptoms, and every person with UC is different when it comes to foods or drinks that may aggravate symptoms.
9 Tips for Managing UC Flare-Ups
You can’t always prevent flares, but you can be proactive about your health.
1
Always take your treatment as prescribed
2
See your doctor regularly—and have open conversations about your symptoms
3
Monitor and track your UC
4
Keep up with UC-related tests and procedures
5
Set up your support system
6
Keep up with UC-related tests and procedures
7
Exercise regularly
8
Don't smoke
9
Bring down your stress levels
Taking my medicine consistently helps me stay in remission and reduces the chances of any long–term issues.
