People with ulcerative colitis suffer from sudden, intense bouts of abdominal pain, diarrhea and bleeding that can interfere with work, family life and fun activities.

These episodes are called flares, and they usually occur when the immune system attacks the digestive tract.

Although there is no cure for chronic ulcerative colitis (UC), you can take steps to help prevent flares.

The first step in managing UC is to follow your doctor\’s recommended management plan. This may include taking medicines to suppress inflammation, avoiding foods that trigger flare-ups or undergoing immuno-modulation therapy.

However, working to maintain a healthy lifestyle will also help you stay flare-free.

This article explains ulcerative colitis, what it is, symptoms to look out for and preventative measures to take in avoiding flare-ups.

Bid good riddance to flare-ups with these tips for aggravation-free living with chronic ulcerative colitis.

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an autoimmune disease that attacks the lining of the colon.

It leads to abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, and vomiting. Typically, the disease first strikes in childhood or young adulthood, but it can develop at any time.

Patients with UC suffer from symptoms for days, weeks, or even months at a time before recovering completely or switching to a less severe form of the disease.

UC strikes more than 300,000 people in the United States. The disease is especially common in northern Europe, where it strikes more than 600 per 100,000 people.

People with ulcerative colitis suffer from sudden, intense bouts of abdominal pain, diarrhea and bleeding that can interfere with work, family life and fun activities.

These episodes are called flares, and they usually occur when the immune system attacks the digestive tract.

Although there is no cure for chronic ulcerative colitis (UC), you can take steps to help prevent flares.

The first step in managing UC is to follow your doctor\’s recommended management plan.

This may include taking medicines to suppress inflammation, avoiding foods that trigger flare-ups (dairy products, wheat or gluten, nuts and seeds, meat or fish), or undergoing immuno-modulation therapy.

The Causes of Ulcerative Colitis

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Some studies suggest that there may be a genetic component, as the condition seems to run in families.

Additionally, it has been linked to certain environmental factors, such as stress, diet, and hygiene. It is thought that an imbalance in the natural gut bacteria may also play a role.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that can be very debilitating.

It is important to be aware of the potential causes so that you can seek appropriate treatment if you develop the condition.

The Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

There are many different symptoms of ulcerative colitis, and they can vary depending on the individual.

However, some of the more common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Cramping
• Rectal bleeding
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Bloody stool

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and the course of the disease can vary, with some people experiencing long periods of remission.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis.

The Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis

Although there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, there are treatments available that can calm the inflammation and help to control the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected by the condition.

However, it is possible to manage the condition’s effects and decrease its frequency of recurrence.

Doctors provide medications to manage the inflammation in the large intestine and allow for remission when their symptoms go away.

When you have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, it’s crucial to see your doctor to discover the first-class manner to treat it.

There is a spread of remedies available, which includes medicine, surgical treatment, and lifestyle adjustments.

With the proper care, you could control your circumstance and lead a complete and productive life.

What Is a Flare-up?

If you have ulcerative colitis, you may experience a flare-up. This is when your symptoms get worse. Flare-ups can last for a few days or weeks.

During a flare-up, you may have more diarrhea, bleeding, and pain. You may also feel tired and lose weight.

What Causes a Flare-up?

There are many possible triggers for a flare-up of ulcerative colitis, and it can be different for each person.

Some common triggers include:

• Stress
• Certain foods
• Medications
• Infections

Managing flare-ups can be difficult, and it is important to work with a healthcare team to develop a plan that meets your individual needs.

How to Prevent a Flare-up

There are a few things you can do to prevent ulcerative colitis flare-ups.

First, it’s important to manage your stress levels.
Stress can trigger a flare-up, so try to find ways to relax and destress.

Secondly, eat a healthy diet.
Avoid foods that trigger inflammation and eat plenty of fiber to keep your digestive system regular.

If you follow these tips, you’ll be less likely to experience a flare-up of your ulcerative colitis.

How to treat a flare-up

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that can be difficult to manage.
Flare-ups are periods of time when the symptoms of the condition are worse than usual.

While there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, there are treatments that can help to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

There are a few things that you can do to help treat ulcerative colitis flare-ups.

• First, it is important to get plenty of rest.
  This can help to reduce the symptoms of the condition and improve your overall energy levels.
• Secondly, you should try to eat a healthy diet.
  Eating a balanced diet can help to reduce the occurrence of flare-ups. Smaller meals can also be the answer to decrease flare-ups. You may feel better if you eat five or six small meals a day.  Just plan smaller, healthier, balanced meals.
   
• Thirdly, control stress. Stress does not cause ulcerative colitis, but it can make your symptoms worse and can trigger flare-ups.  Exercise is a good way to reduce tension or stress.

• Finally, it is important to see a doctor if you are having difficulty managing your symptoms.

Contact Dr. Gosia George

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to preventing ulcerative colitis flare-ups, there are some general tips that can help.

First, it’s important to follow a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise. Additionally, it’s helpful to avoid triggers like stress.

Finally, be sure to take any medications prescribed by your doctor. By following these tips, you can help prevent ulcerative colitis flare-ups and live a healthier life.

Dr George and Dr. Deetlefs are clinical investigators at Spoke Research Inc and became involved in Clinical Research in 2017, and now runs the Inflammatory Bowel Disease trials.

If you’d like to take part in a clinical trial, join us here:

Apply for Crohn’s Disease Trial

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