Managing Colitis Flares: Effective Strategies for Relief
Colitis is a chronic disease that refers to inflammation of the colon, which is the large intestine. It can be caused by various factors, which include infections, autoimmune reactions, or inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.
If you have questions about colitis, you can visit Doral Health and Wellness. We have the best gastroenterologist that can help you with your condition. You can contact us by visiting our clinic or visiting our website at https://doralhw.org/.
Relieving colitis flares involves a combination of medical interventions and self-care strategies. Here are some approaches that can help ease or relieve symptoms during a flare-up:
- Follow your treatment plan — Always take your medications as prescribed by your medical provider, including anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, or biologics.
- Dietary changes — Follow a low-residue or low-fiber diet during flare-ups to minimize irritation. Also consider avoiding trigger foods that Can worsen your symptoms.
- Hydration — Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you are experiencing diarrhea, to prevent dehydration.
- Probiotics — Discuss with your medical provider whether including probiotics can be beneficial in promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
- Rest — Get adequate rest to support your body’s healing process. Stress management techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, can also be helpful.
- Warm baths — Soaking in a warm bath may provide you relief and also help you relax your abdominal muscles.
- Pain management — Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, can help manage your discomfort. However, consult with your medical provider before using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, as they can worsen your colitis symptoms.
- Avoiding triggers — Identify and avoid triggers that can worsen your symptoms, such as certain foods, stress, or lack of sleep.
- Regular monitoring — Keep a symptom journal to track your patterns, triggers, and the changes in your condition. Share this information with your medical provider for better management of your condition.
Always consult with your medical provider before making any significant changes to your treatment plan or before trying new approaches, as individual responses to treatments can vary. If symptoms persist or worsen, always seek immediate medical attention.
If you or your loved one have signs and symptoms for colitis, have them/yourself checked. You can schedule an appointment with Doral Health and Wellness Gastroenterology Center’s best gastro doctors in Brooklyn. If you are looking for treatments, you can also talk to our specialists and inquire with them. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690.