top of page

IBD and when to suspect a flare:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), although on treatment, can occasionally flare, requiring medical attention. 

 

When to Suspect a Flare-up?

  • Increased bowel movements from usual

  • Increased bowel urgency

  • Abdominal pain or cramping

  • Blood in the stool

  • Fatigue or fever

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Unexplained weight loss

 

What causes flares?

  1. Stopping medications: Reducing or stopping current treatments have a very high chance of causing a flare

  2. Dietary factors: Certain foods (high-fat, spicy foods, dairy) can irritate the digestive system

  3. Infections: Any gastrointestinal infection can worsen underlying IBD symptoms. Patients with IBD are at higher risk of intestinal infectious such as viral gastroenteritis or clostridioides difficile(C. Diff). 

  4. Stress: Both emotional and physical stress can influence the immune system and increase the chance of flares

  5. Lack of sleep: Poor sleep patterns can weaken the immune system, leading to flares

 

Next steps:

  • Contact your family physician or gastroenterologist. They will evaluate you and decide if you require an urgent evaluation at the Emergency Department or change in medications

  • Do not stop your current prescribed IBD medications during a flare, unless advised to by a physician

  • Stay hydrated and rest while awaiting evaluation

  • Sick Day Medications: On days when you are sick with vomiting, diarrhea, or fever and are not able to drink enough fluids, some medications can be harmful to your kidneys. Your doctor may advise you to temporarily stop certain medications, such as water pills (diuretics) or blood pressure medicines like ACE inhibitors, until you are feeling better. Follow the plan your healthcare provider has given you for sick days, and restart your medications once you are eating and drinking normally again.

  • Ask your doctor for urgent stool studies and blood work: Stool clostridioides difficile, stool cultures, and basic blood work including inflammatory markers are often first step.  
     

Please visit the American College of Gastroenterology website for more information and updates regarding Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) | ACG 

bottom of page