What an IBD Flare Feels Like to Me

My ulcerative colitis (UC) flares always start with the same symptoms, but the intensity and duration vary. I’ve found ways to manage both the physical and emotional effects of my flares.

When you live with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), your digestive tract experiences symptoms that can flare or ease up from time to time.

Most commonly, abdominal pain and diarrhea characterize an IBD flare, but there’s a lot more to understand about what’s going on inside your body during a flare and how it can make you feel.

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My physical symptoms

I live with the form of IBD known as UC. I often go months without a flare, but because I’ve been living with UC for nearly 20 years, I recognize the signs of a flare coming on very clearly. For me, a flare begins with a frequent and urgent need to use the bathroom. Next comes the stomach pain, cramping, and diarrhea. Depending on the severity of the flare, this may repeat numerous times.

I’ve had flares that only lasted a few days but also some that persisted for several weeks. The longer they last, the greater the toll they take on my overall physical health.

IBD symptoms can vary from person to person and can change over time. Some people experiencing an IBD flare may have a range of other symptoms, including bloody stools, weight loss, fatigue, and joint, skin, or eye problems.

A few summers ago, I struggled with severe diarrhea every day for 3 weeks. I lost a lot of weight and was dehydrated. I finally got relief when my doctor increased the dose of some of my medications and changed others, including adding an antispasmodic treatment.

My most recent flare was this past fall, likely brought on by the stress of my daughter leaving for college. That flare lasted almost a month. Not only did I have to deal with my gut issues, but I also was much more tired and low in energy during that time.

Sleep, interrupted

During a flare, my symptoms tend to be worse at night. The pain and frequent need to use the bathroom make it difficult for me to get comfortable and get a good night’s sleep.

I’ve learned that during these times, it’s helpful for me to take steps to relax before bedtime. I take a warm bath, meditate, or read quietly before trying to settle down.

I also make sure I don’t eat right before bed. I feel better and sleep better when I eat dinner several hours earlier so my body has time to digest.

The anxiety of a flare

For me, a flare extends beyond my physical ailments and affects my mood and my day-to-day activities.

When my symptoms start getting worse, I become consumed with worry about being far from a bathroom. I fear being stuck in my car or out in public and not being able to get to the bathroom in time, so I adjust my plans to avoid these situations.

Sometimes, a flare can take an even greater emotional toll on me. At times, I’ve felt depressed that my body is in such an uncomfortable state or angry that I have to live with a condition that interrupts me from doing things I enjoy.

While I know I can’t completely prevent a flare, the anxiety that I feel during a flare motivates me to do everything I can to keep my gut calm. I’m diligent about taking my medications, practicing yoga to reduce my stress, and sticking to a diet that doesn’t make my UC worse.

Changes to my routine

While I’m always mindful of what foods and beverages I should and shouldn’t have, I’m even more careful during a flare. For example, on a normal day, I can have a cup of coffee in the morning, but during a flare, coffee increases my bowel urgency, so I avoid it completely.

I also have to adjust my exercise routine during a flare. When my symptoms are in remission, I’m very active. I run, play tennis, and do circuit training. But when my UC is acting up, I avoid strenuous exercise because it makes my diarrhea worse. Instead, I focus on lower impact activities, such as walking.

Finding relief

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is my go-to for relief from the pain I experience during a flare. While it doesn’t necessarily stop the urgent need to use the bathroom, it greatly relieves my stomach cramping.

Also, as soon as I feel a flare coming on, I schedule a visit to my doctor. Sometimes, my doctor will prescribe a simple tweak to my medication that can help manage my flare-up.

The takeaway

Knowing what to expect during an IBD flare can help ease the anxiety that comes along with it. I recommend keeping a journal to keep track of what leads up to a flare and the symptoms you experience. This has helped me identify triggers, understand what treatments are working, and better manage my quality of life when symptoms appear or worsen.

It’s also important to remember that you aren’t helpless during a flare. I’ve learned that although my symptoms can be troublesome, changes to my diet, lifestyle, and medications can shorten the duration of the flare and get me back to enjoying my life.