Managing Flare Symptoms
What is a “flare”?
A flare is when there is a reoccurrence of symptoms of your Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.
Causes of flares:
- Stress
- Not taking medication as prescribed by your physician
- Taking NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Aleve, ibuprofen, aspirin, Celebrex, Motrin, etc.
- Taking antibiotics
- Eating high fiber foods
- Smoking
Managing a flare:
- Patients may require a short course of steroids such as prednisone, Entocort or Uceris
- Follow a low residue diet. This is a diet with very low fiber. It is recommended you avoid fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, nuts, seeds and popcorn
- Eat small meals and chew food thoroughly
- Drink plenty of fluids; double your usual amount if not more
- Stop smoking
Call the office if flare symptoms continue:
There is someone to help you during the day and after hours. We want to keep you healthy and out of the hospital, which includes refraining from going to the emergency room for non-urgent care.
