How to Tackle an Ulcerative Colitis Flare-Up

Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome can lead to repeated flare-ups and other associated symptoms that are best controlled through continuous medications, proper diet and exercise and adequate rest.

Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome are GI tract diseases whose symptoms appear to fade away with medications and diet management; although the diseases themselves are never totally cured thus increasing the risk of a relapse. Hence, the best way to avoid the symptoms of the trio would be to control those factors that lead to a relapse.

It is best to remember that ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome are conditions that do not like to remain dormant. Hence, the ideal way to prevent them from raising their ugly heads would be through a continuous management program. This includes taking prescribed medications continuously and adhering to a given diet plan consisting of nutritionally balanced foods and small and frequent meals.

Maintenance of the overall health is equally crucial in sidestepping the painful symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. This is because the steroids that are usually prescribed against these inflammatory conditions negatively affect the immune system thereby making you more prone to infections. In the event of an infection, you might reach out for an aspirin or some other drug that might in fact kindle a fresh flare-up. Hence, maintenance of the general health is the best solution.

In addition to continuous medications and proper diet, adequate exercise is also a must to avoid the symptoms of colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. Exercise has been shown to boost the immune system that is necessary to fight off infections and maintain normal health. Exercise can also help you to effectively counter fatigue that is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis.

One of the most important aspects to be taken care of is stress management as more often than not stress is the underlying cause for ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome. To avoid the symptoms of these diseases, you must know how to handle stress and if possible, avoid the cause of the stress itself. Additionally, getting ample physical and mental rest during a flare-up is crucial in reducing the time-period for which the flare-up lasts.

Essentially, flare-ups due to ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and hampered bowel movements in irritable bowel syndrome can re-occur at any time. Unfortunately, such relapses can never be banished; they can only be controlled. Constant vigilance with respect to medications, diet, exercise and rest is the best way to handle sudden flare-ups and to relieve the painful symptoms at the earliest.