Managing Flares

What is a flare?

A flare is when your Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis your symptoms become active, increase, change or worsen for a temporary period of time. During a flare, you may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in your stool, or feel very tired. Flares can last for a few days or much longer, and the experience can be different for each person. If you think you are having a flare, contact your healthcare team right away so they can help guide you to the best next steps to help you feel better. 

Treating IBD flares

The best treatment for an IBD flare depends on what is causing your symptoms. Your doctor may ask about your symptoms, order lab tests, or perform other tests to find out if your disease is active or if something else, such as an infection, is causing your symptoms. Once they know the cause, they can recommend the best treatment for you.

Treatment may include changing the dose of your current medicine, adding a new medicine, or using a short course of steroids to quickly reduce inflammation. Your doctor may also recommend changes to your diet, encourage you to drink plenty of fluids, or suggest ways to manage pain and other symptoms while your bowel heals. It is important to take your medicines exactly as prescribed, even if you begin to feel better.

If your symptoms become severe, such as having heavy bleeding, severe stomach pain, ongoing vomiting, a high fever, or signs of dehydration, contact your healthcare team right away or seek emergency medical care. Getting treatment early may help prevent complications and help you feel better sooner.

Have a Plan Before a Flare Happens

When you're having an IBD flare, it can be hard to know what to do. Some flares can be managed by contacting your gastroenterologist, while others may require urgent or emergency medical care. Knowing the difference ahead of time can help you get the right care as quickly as possible.

If your symptoms become severe—such as a high fever, signs of dehydration, severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, or persistent vomiting—you may need to seek medical attention right away. Contact your healthcare team for their guidance in determining the cause of your symptoms and guide you on the next steps.

Because flares can happen unexpectedly, it's important to create an urgent care plan with your healthcare team before you need one. Having a plan in place can help you feel more prepared and make it easier to get the care you need.

Consider asking your healthcare team these questions:

• What should I do if I think I'm having a flare?
   
• Which symptoms mean I should call your office, and which mean I should go to the emergency room?
   
• If I need emergency care, can the emergency department contact you to discuss my medical history and treatment?
   
• Are there important notes or instructions that should be included in my medical record for emergencies?
   
• Do you offer same-day or urgent appointments for patients with IBD?
   
• What is the best way to contact you if I have questions or my symptoms change?

Planning ahead won't prevent a flare, but it can help you feel more confident and ensure you know where to turn when you need care most.

If You Need to Be Hospitalized

Sometimes, an IBD flare or a serious complication may require a hospital stay. While hospitalization can feel stressful or overwhelming, it is a place to receive the comprehensive care you need. The length of your stay will depend on your symptoms, how your body responds to treatment, and your overall health.

Many people living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis have been hospitalized at some point. During your stay, don't be afraid to ask questions or let your healthcare team know if something is unclear. Having a family member, friend, or caregiver with you—or available by phone—can also provide comfort and help you remember important information.

Because hospitalizations can happen unexpectedly, it's helpful to be prepared. Keep the following information in an easy-to-access place:

• A list of all your medications, including the dose and how often you take them (helpful apps available).
• A list of your allergies, including medication allergies
• The name and contact information for your gastroenterologist and other healthcare professionals you see
• Information about your medical history, including past surgeries and recent imaging tests (such as CT scans or MRIs) or endoscopies, if you know them
• Emergency contact information for a family member or caregiver

During your hospital stay, ask questions about your diagnosis, treatment plan, and what to expect after you leave the hospital. If you are not feeling well enough to ask questions yourself, a trusted loved one can help speak up for you and make sure your concerns are addressed.

Know what to expect during a flare

Learn more information from medical experts to learn how you can prepare for unexpected flares.