How Long Does An Ulcerative Colitis Flare Up Last

I Take Medication Regularly Can A Flare

Unfortunately, yes. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition. Medications and lifestyle changes can help reduce the intensity and frequency of ulcerative colitis flare-ups, but not stop them completely.

Regular flare-ups may indicate a problem with your current treatment. If you are taking your medications as prescribed and still experiencing flare-ups, you should contact your physician who may adjust your medication or suggest other treatment options.

Can Ulcerative Colitis Go Into Remission Without Medication

“If a person with ulcerative colitis has a deep remission without any sign or symptoms for many years, it might be possible to stop treatment, but there’s little information to support this, he says. For most people, continuing to take your medication is the best way to stay in remission and avoid a flare.

Can I Get Surgery For My Ulcerative Colitis

Surgery is an option if medications arent working or you have complications, such as bleeding or abnormal growths. You might develop precancerous lesions, or growths that can turn into colorectal cancer. A doctor can remove these lesions with surgery or during a colonoscopy.

Research shows that about 30% of people with ulcerative colitis need surgery sometime during their life. About 20% of children with ulcerative colitis will need surgery during their childhood years.

There are two kinds of surgery for ulcerative colitis:

Proctocolectomy and ileoanal pouch

The proctocolectomy and ileoanal pouch is the most common procedure for ulcerative colitis. This procedure typically requires more than one surgery, and there are several ways to do it. First, your surgeon does a proctocolectomy a procedure that removes your colon and rectum. Then the surgeon forms an ileoanal pouch to create a new rectum. While your body and newly made pouch is healing, your surgeon may perform a temporary ileostomy at the same time. This creates an opening in your lower belly. Your small intestines attach to the stoma, which looks like a small piece of pink skin on your belly.

After you heal, waste from your small intestines comes out through the stoma and into an attached bag called an ostomy bag. The small bag lies flat on the outside of your body, below your beltline. Youll need to wear the bag at all times to collect waste. Youll have to change the bag frequently throughout the day.

Don’t Miss: How Do I Know If I Have A Peptic Ulcer

How Does Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Affect My Childs Mental/emotional Health

Like many conditions, ulcerative colitis can have a negative psychological effect, especially on children. They can experience physical, emotional, social and family problems. Because of the medications and/or general stress from the situation, your child may experience:

• Mood swings.
• Worry about appearance and physical stamina.
• Vulnerability because their body doesnt function normally.
• Poor concentration.
• Misunderstandings with friends and family.

Children need mutual support from all family members. Its helpful for the entire family to learn about the disease and try to be empathetic. Seek out a psychiatrist and therapist to help your child manage such challenges of their ulcerative colitis.

Medications For Other Conditions

A medication you take for another condition can also trigger a flare-up.

This might happen if you take an antibiotic to treat a bacterial infection. Antibiotics can sometimes disrupt the balance of intestinal bacteria in the gut and cause diarrhea.

Certain over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as aspirin and ibuprofen , may also irritate the colon and cause a flare-up.

This doesnt mean you should stop taking antibiotics or pain medications, but you should speak with your doctor before taking these drugs.

If you take an antibiotic, you may also need a temporary antidiarrheal medication to combat possible side effects.

If you experience stomach pain after taking an NSAID, your doctor may suggest acetaminophen to reduce pain instead.

Recommended Reading: Can I Eat Oatmeal With Ulcerative Colitis

Symptoms Of Ulcerative Colitis

The main symptoms of ulcerative colitis are:

• recurring diarrhoea, which may contain blood, mucus or pus
• needing to empty your bowels frequently

You may also experience fatigue , loss of appetite and weight loss.

The severity of the symptoms varies, depending on how much of the rectum and colon is inflamed and how severe the inflammation is. For some people, the condition has a significant impact on their everyday lives.

What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is the name of a group of disorders that cause the intestines to become inflamed . The inflammation lasts a long time before subsiding, but it usually comes back over and over again. Approximately 1.6 million Americans have some kind of inflammatory bowel disease.

The two primary types of inflammatory bowel disease are Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis.

Don’t Miss: L Glutamine Ulcerative Colitis Dosage

Many Disease Activity Indices Exist For Ulcerative Colitis But None Have Been Developed With Formal Patient Input

There is no consensus gold standard for the evaluation of disease activity in ulcerative colitis. This is illustrated in numerous recent clinical trials, in which investigators measured several different indices of disease activity, as no one index is considered sufficient. There are many indices for the measurement of ulcerative colitis disease activity, including Truelove and Witts classification of mild, moderate, and severe disease the St Marks Index, which empirically added endoscopy in 1978 simplified versions of the St Marks Index, including the Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity Index and the Mayo Score and noninvasive versions, including the Seo Index and the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index .

The diversity of indices suggests that none of these has proven satisfactory, and none was developed with patient input. In addition, it has never been established that any of these indices actually measures all of the important symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis lacks a validated measurement instrument such as the Crohns Disease Activity Index in Crohns disease . Furthermore, the indices that do exist for ulcerative colitis were not constructed in a patient-centered manner to attempt to capture the symptoms experienced by patients. Therefore, our study group aimed to investigate through focus groups that what symptoms does patients with ulcerative colitis experience during their disease process.

Food As Trigger Of Flare

Participants frequently discussed the possibility that certain foods could trigger flares, but had great difficulty in identifying common themes across participants.

I never could figure out what triggers it. When Ive got a flareup going, I mean, its always, I eat, and then half an hour later Im in the bathroom.

I know until I kept a food journal, I had no concept of what would or wouldnt trigger it. I just its hard to isolate.

Recommended Reading: Best Treatment For Diabetic Foot Ulcer

What To Do During An Ulcerative Colitis Flare To Minimize Symptoms

Youll inevitably experience another UC flare-up at some point, despite your best prevention efforts. When this happens, there are a few ways youll need to tweak your normal routine to minimize the severity of your symptoms and get back into remission ASAP. Even some of your typically healthy habits like loading up on veggies may be a no-go. Here are a few natural remedies that may help:

Warning Signs Of A Flare

Flares often are acute, meaning they come on suddenly. They can last from days to weeks. Between flare-ups, you may experience weeks, months, or years of remission.

Symptoms of a flare may be different depending on the severity and location of the inflammation in the colon and rectum. Nevertheless, common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Fever

Also Check: Wound Vac For Pressure Ulcers

How Long Can A Flare Up Last During Colitis

carol34824

Hi..i was on this recently about my 18 year old son who was recently told may have colitis, but only thing was he wasnt loosing weight…now he is…how long can a flare up last….im worried sick for him as he is a talk healthy lad and now this is having a horrible affect…and Im helpless as a mother…please can someone give me some advice

1 like, 19 replies

Speak With Your Doctor

Without treatment, people with UC tend to relapse.

For many people with mild or moderate symptoms, things improve somewhat after diagnosis. This is thanks to medication, along with identifying and avoiding triggers.

More aggressive cases are less common, and only a small number of severe cases will require hospitalization.

Repeated flare-ups can indicate problems with your current treatment, so speak with your doctor and discuss adjusting your medication.

Several classes of medication now exist that can help you get into and stay in remission. Your doctor may need to add another type or increase your dosage.

The only way to prevent UC flare-ups is to have surgery. The most common type of UC surgery is the proctocolectomy, which involves the removal of the rectum and colon.

Candidates for UC surgery include people who:

• have sudden or severe disease
• have a perforated colon
• are at risk for colorectal cancer
• are unable to tolerate their UC medications due to side effects
• have stopped responding to their UC medications

In addition to knowing how to manage flare-ups, its also helpful to recognize factors that can trigger your flare-ups.

Recommended Reading: Does Smoking Cause Ulcers After Gastric Bypass

Prevent An Ulcerative Colitis Flare With These 11 Tips

Tags: IBD

Please note:This article outlines 11 tips to help you prevent an ulcerative colitis flare, and is based on one patients experience. Nothing in this article is meant to replace any advice you have received from your doctor.This article was contributed by Ms. Wanni Z. Below is her story.

Every day during remission I am thankful. I remind myself constantly that I should not take it for granted. I feel that its important to never forget that there is currently no cure for ulcerative colitis . Even during periods of remission, we still need to take daily measures to ensure that we prevent any potential flare-ups. That being said, here are some key points I have learned that have helped my body over the last few years, I hope this will help others out there! Keep reading for some tips to help you prevent an ulcerative colitis flare:

What Are The Symptoms Of Crohns Disease

The symptoms of Crohns disease vary, depending on which part or parts of the gastrointestinal tract is/are affected. Common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain that comes and goes
• Blood in your stool
• Low appetite
• Unintended weight loss

Other less common symptoms may include fever, joint pain, eye problems, skin problems, and feeling tired . The symptoms of Crohns disease may be mild or severe. Symptoms may also come and go. They can start suddenly or gradually.

You May Like: What Foods Should I Avoid With A Stomach Ulcer

Diet Tips During A Flare

A modified diet may help you manage and reduce your UC symptoms. Depending on the person, specific foods may trigger flare-ups or worsen symptoms. As a result, its important to identify and limit these foods.

Your doctor and a dietitian can work with you to find a diet that best manages your symptoms while providing the nutrition you need.

How Ulcerative Colitis Is Treated

Treatment for ulcerative colitis aims to relieve symptoms during a flare-up and prevent symptoms from returning .

In most people, this is achieved by taking medicine, such as:

• aminosalicylates
• corticosteroids
• immunosuppressants

Mild to moderate flare-ups can usually be treated at home. But more severe flare-ups need to be treated in hospital.

If medicines are not effective at controlling your symptoms or your quality of life is significantly affected by your condition, surgery to remove your colon may be an option.

During surgery, your small intestine will either be diverted out of an opening in your abdomen or be used to create an internal pouch that’s connected to your anus called an ileoanal pouch.

Recommended Reading: How To Heal Mouth Ulcers Fast

Is It Important To Treat A Flare Early Or Is It Ok To Wait A Bit

Inflammation typically does not resolve without treatment and early intervention has a better outcome than waiting to treat. At an early stage of a flare, a more optimal baseline treatment is often enough to get the inflammation under control. If you wait, there is a greater risk that you might need drugs with greater side effects, such as oral steroids. By waiting, you will have to manage longer with your symptoms before getting relief. Living with constant or longer periods of inflammation might increase your risk for future complications, as inflammation might cause damage to the gut wall that accumulates in severity with each flare.

If you are experiencing worsening symptoms, you have probably already had the flare for some time without symptoms. Evidence shows that a stool test for inflammation in the colon, called fecal calprotectin, is often elevated for two to three months before any symptoms appear. Your colon might also start to show visual evidence of inflammation before you have symptoms, or at least indicate an increased risk for a flare.

Why Working With A Qualified Care Team Is So Important When It Comes To Managing Ulcerative Colitis

People being treated for UC typically arent getting dietary or lifestyle advice, which is a huge disservice, says Cohen. But managing ulcerative colitis and preventing flare-ups can be done! You just might need a little help from the experts.

Because UC isnt one-size-fits-all and triggers are highly individual, enlisting the help of a care team like the clinicians at Parsley Health is wise. Providers can provide individualized supplement protocols based on lab testing, customized eating plans for periods of remission and flares, and communicate with your current GI doctor if necessary to streamline care.

Don’t Miss: How To Check A Horse For Ulcers

How Long Do Flares Last

Flares occur at different times and may last for days or weeks. They can happen anywhere from weeks to years apart, depending on the person and the effectiveness of treatment.

Your doctor will work with you to treat your flare and help return your UC to a more manageable state.

The Crohns & Colitis Foundation recommends waiting to become pregnant until UC has been in remission for at least 3 months.

If you conceive during a flare-up, you may have more symptoms during pregnancy.

Youre likely to have a healthy pregnancy if you have UC, but youll still have a higher chance of complications than someone without the condition. Particularly if your UC is active, you may have a greater risk for:

• miscarriage

In general, UC medications can be taken during pregnancy.

Talk with your doctor about any possible changes to your medications while pregnant.

Ideally, having a conversation with your doctor prior to getting pregnant can allow them to prepare a UC treatment plan in advance that can be revised, if and as needed, during your pregnancy.

What Causes Inflammatory Bowel Disease

It is not yet known exactly what causes Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis. These diseases seem to run in families, which means that genetics play a role. Many researchers believe that inflammatory bowel diseases are caused by a problem with the immune system. Normally, the immune system protects your body from infection. In people who have an inflammatory bowel disease, the immune system mistakes food, healthy bacteria, and other substances for an infection. This causes the immune system to attack the cells of the intestine, which leads to inflammation.

Don’t Miss: How To Cure Gastritis And Ulcers Naturally

The Main Types Of Drugs

The aim of drug treatment for Ulcerative Colitis is to reduce inflammation. The main types of drugs are:

Aminosalicylates reduce inflammation in the lining of the intestine. Examples include mesalazine , olsalazine , sulphasalazine and balsalazide .

Corticosteroids work by blocking the substances that trigger allergic and inflammatory responses in your body. They include prednisolone, prednisone, methylprednisolone, budesonide , hydrocortisone and beclometasone dipropionate .

Immunosuppressants suppress the immune system, and reduce levels of inflammation. The main immunosuppressants used in IBD are azathioprine , mercaptopurine or 6MP , methotrexate, ciclosporin and tacrolimus. They are often used in patients who relapse when they come off steroids.

Biological drugs are the newest group of drugs used to treat IBD. Anti-TNF drugs, such as infliximab , adalimumab and golimumab target a protein in the body called TNF, or tumor necrosis factor, preventing inflammation. Another type of biological drug is vedolizumab , which works by stopping white blood cells from entering the lining of the gut and causing inflammation.

You can find more information about some of the drugs used for Colitis: Adalimumab, Aminosalicylates , Azathioprine and Mercaptopurine, Biologic Drugs, Golimumab, Methotrexate, Infliximab, Steroids, Ustekinumab and Vedolizumab.

About a quarter of people diagnosed with Crohn’s or Colitis are children or adolescents at the time they are diagnosed.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment

The goal of treatment is to get rid of the inflammation that causes your symptoms. Many types of medicine can help reduce inflammation. Talk to your doctor about anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs that suppress the immune system. Some medicines are needed only during flare-ups. You may need long-term medicines to suppress your immune system. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may also recommend these medicines and supplements:

• Antibiotic
• Pain reliever
• Vitamin supplements

In severe cases of inflammatory bowel disease, you may need to go to the hospital for intravenous fluids or surgery.

During your treatment, you will most likely be treated by a team of doctors. This team may include your family physician, a gastroenterologist , and, possibly, a surgeon.

Recommended Reading: Ulcerative Colitis Surgery Pros And Cons