An inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flare-up happens when your symptoms return after a period of feeling better. During a flare, you might experience abdominal pain, urgent or frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, bloody stool, nausea, vomiting, or weight loss. Recognizing early signs and having a plan in place can help you manage symptoms more effectively and reduce their impact.
A symptom diary can help you learn what triggers your flares and how they progress. Many people notice small changes at the start of a flare-up, such as shifts in pooping habits, energy levels, or appetite, before more severe symptoms develop.
Use a notebook or a smartphone app to track your:
- Food intake
- Mood
- Sleep patterns
- Stress levels
Recording these details regularly can help you identify potential symptom triggers and patterns and make adjustments to your care plan. Catching a flare early gives you a better chance at easing symptoms before they worsen.
Large meals can be tough on your digestive system during a flare. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can make digestion easier and help reduce symptoms.
Stick with low-fiber, nutrient-dense foods that are easier to digest, such as:
- Bananas
- Avocados
- White rice
- Lean proteins like chicken or fish
- Fully cooked vegetables and fruits, which may be easier to digest than raw ones
Avoid or limit these foods and drinks because they may cause gas, bloating, or cramping:
- Spicy dishes
- Greasy foods
- Dairy products
- Beans
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Carbonated drinks
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
Cutting back on these during a flare can help control inflammation and may help lower discomfort.
Stress can trigger or worsen IBD flare-ups. When you’re already in a flare, stress can aggravate symptoms, making it more difficult to cope. Building time in each day to relax can help ease stress and support your physical and mental well-being.
Relaxation techniques can help manage stress, such as:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Meditation
- Gentle stretching
- Listening to calming music
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider speaking to a therapist. A therapist is a mental health professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. They can help you process what you’re going through and offer personalized strategies for coping with stress and managing flare-related challenges.
You might also find it helpful to connect with others who understand life with IBD. Support groups can provide a sense of community, emotional relief, and practical tips from others living with IBD. Many IBD organizations, including the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, offer both in-person and virtual support group options.
During a flare-up, you might not feel up to exercising. It’s okay to rest when you need to. However, once your energy returns, gentle movement can help boost your mood, support digestion, and reduce inflammation.
Low-impact exercises may help relieve symptoms during flare-ups, such as:
Yoga and tai chi are also good options, combining slow, controlled movements with deep breathing to help you relax.
A short walk may be enough on low-energy days. When you’re feeling stronger, you can gradually increase your activity levels. Avoid pushing through fatigue or discomfort. It’s best to save high-intensity workouts for when your flare-up ends and you’re feeling better.
Not every flare-up requires medical attention. However, sometimes a flare-up is a sign that your treatment plan needs an adjustment. If your symptoms don’t improve after a few days of home care, or if they’re worsening, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor. They can adjust medications or suggest treatments to bring the flare under control and help you start feeling better.
Some symptoms need immediate medical attention, including:
- Severe dehydration
- Vomiting blood
- Intense or worsening abdominal pain
- Fever and/or chills
- A rapid heartbeat
- Persistent rectal bleeding
Delaying treatment could lead to serious complications, like a perforated (torn) colon or toxic megacolon, which is when the colon becomes dangerously swollen and stops functioning correctly. These complications may require emergency surgery.
You may not be able to prevent every flare, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and make flares more manageable:
- Follow your treatment plan: Take your medications as prescribed. Staying consistent helps control inflammation and lowers your risk of flare-ups.
- Maintain regular medical checkups: Even when you feel well, routine visits help your healthcare provider monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Most doctors recommend check-ins every six months during remission, and more often during flares.
- Get enough sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Good sleep supports your immune system and helps reduce inflammation.
- Avoid known trigger foods: Identify which foods trigger or worsen your symptoms and limit or avoid them. Common trigger foods include dairy products, high-fat foods, high-fiber foods, and spicy foods.
- Manage stress: Carve out time each day for stress-reducing activities, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or spending time in nature.
- Exercise regularly: Low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, support digestion and help manage stress. If you’re feeling well, you may be able to do more, but always listen to your body.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking increases inflammation and makes IBD harder to treat. Consider exploring smoking cessation options if you’re trying to quit.
- Stay hydrated: Drink water throughout the day, not just during flares, to support healthy digestion and prevent dehydration.
IBD flare-ups can be physically and emotionally challenging. However, there are several ways to manage symptoms and find relief. Tracking symptoms, eating smaller meals, staying active when possible, and managing stress are all steps that can make a positive difference.
If your symptoms aren’t improving, reach out to your doctor. They can help you adjust your treatment and find a plan that controls inflammation and improves your symptoms.
