Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

What to Do When Ulcerative Colitis Flares

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. This chronic illness causes sore and inflammatory ulcers in the large intestine. Symptoms tend to worsen gradually, but they would disappear for a long or short interval as well. Several triggers may lead to flare-ups, which can affect daily life. Fortunately, there are several options to help you manage these problems. Below are some useful tips to help you deal with flare-ups of ulcerative colitis.

Reducing Stress

Stress may trigger and worsen an ulcerative colitis flare-up. Therefore, learning how to reduce stress may help reduce the inflammatory response in the body and manage symptoms. There are many ways to achieve this goal, such as deep breathing techniques, medication, or yoga. You may also spend more time with your hobbies or family and friends. It is advisable to set some realistic goals at work or study and stop when you are under a lot of pressure. If necessary, find a mental health expert to help you overcome stress effectively. [1]

Keeping a Food Journal

People with ulcerative colitis may be sensitive to certain foods. The specific triggers can vary from person to person. Therefore, there is no ulcerative colitis diet to help manage flare-ups. It is better to keep track of those products you consume and their effects on your body. Write down in a food journal when a specific food or beverage triggers symptoms. Based on the information, you may later create a proper diet to prevent flare-ups from occurring. [2]