How to Manage a Colitis Flare-Up

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel condition that leads to increased symptoms (flare-ups) and remission. During a flare-up, the symptoms are painful and uncomfortable and affect every part of life.

Learning to cope with the condition and manage flare-ups is key to living with colitis. Dr. Ilyas Memon provides various treatments and lifestyle strategies for managing colitis and other digestive disorders at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants.

Signs of a colitis flare

Colitis causes inflammation in the intestines, leading to ulcerations and other uncomfortable symptoms. It’s a chronic problem that goes through periods of flares and remission.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the most prevalent forms of inflammatory bowel disease. It affects the colon, often in different areas, but it can also affect the entire colon.

During flare-ups, the symptoms come out of remission and worsen quickly. The common signs and symptoms of a colitis flare include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Bloody stools
• Mucus in the stool
• Diarrhea
• Rectal pain
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Dehydration

Symptoms vary from person to person during a colitis flare, with some only experiencing mild symptoms. Others, however, have to deal with severe and painful symptoms that don’t seem to let up with home care.

Home tips to manage symptoms

Living with UC means you'll likely experience more than one flare. Knowing how to manage symptoms when a flare-up arises is essential to keep yourself comfortable. We offer the following tips to help you get through a flare-up.

Stay hydrated

Diarrhea related to a colitis flare can cause dehydration, especially when it's persistent. To replenish nutrients, drink plenty of water during bouts of diarrhea and consider adding drinks with electrolytes to your daily routine.

Manage medications

Colitis-specific medications can be lifesavers during a flare-up, but be sure you know what dosage to take. Dr. Memon may recommend increasing the dose of certain medications to alleviate symptoms efficiently.

Control stress

Colitis flares are stressful, but adding stress only worsens symptoms. To help control symptoms, try to manage stress levels through meditation, deep breathing exercises, and appropriate sleep.

Stick to low-fiber foods

Low-fiber foods are easier for the body to digest, which prevents bowel irritation during a painful flare. Some foods to consider are white rice, pasta, soft fruits, and lean proteins to aid digestion.

Eat a few small meals

Smaller meals throughout the day also alleviate bowel irritation during a colitis flare. To reduce symptoms, ensure the meals are low in fiber and avoid overeating.

What else helps manage a flare?

Managing a colitis flare is difficult, especially if it’s your first one. However, it’s possible to decrease uncomfortable symptoms through diet modifications and medications.

Sometimes, the above tips aren’t enough to control symptoms. To ease symptoms further, try moderate exercise and limiting food triggers. If these options don't work, seeking professional care is essential.

Dr. Memon evaluates symptoms to develop a customized care plan for colitis. He offers antibiotics, colitis medications, and antidiarrheal drugs to ease symptoms. If these aren’t enough, he discusses surgical treatment to relieve severe cases of colitis.

To learn more about our colitis treatments, call one of our conveniently located offices in Texas or request a consultation using our online booking feature.