Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease affecting your large intestine. Inflammation and ulcers develop inside your colon, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and bloody stool.
People with ulcerative colitis may also feel they have to rush to the bathroom more often. As such, it may interfere with the daily activities of the 600,000 to 900,000 people in the United States who live with this condition.
Whether you’ve been living with ulcerative colitis or you recently received a diagnosis, take some comfort in the knowledge that you can improve your quality of life.
Try reducing stress levels
Stress doesn’t cause ulcerative colitis. However, it can lead to symptoms.
For example, if you experience stress at your job or have difficulty managing stress overall, consider finding a healthy way to relieve it. You could try meditation, guided imagery, breathing exercises, or turn to a creative outlet like painting, gardening, or playing music. Exercise can help, too.
Consider changing your diet
During a flare-up, it might help to reduce the amount of fiber you eat or eat smaller meals more frequently rather than three big meals daily.
If you have difficulty digesting dairy products, try a lactose-free diet to see whether that helps. The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation has dietary recommendations that can help you create well-balanced meals.
Avoid certain medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin can irritate your gastrointestinal tract and cause symptoms. Some experts usually consider acetaminophen a safer option. Get specific medication recommendations from your doctor based on your symptoms and medical history.
Ulcerative colitis can make you experience many feelings, including stress and anxiety. Over time, these can lead to depression or depressive symptoms. A strong support system can encourage you to navigate your unique health journey.
You can consider turning to your family and friends for support, but you might find that a network of people who know what you’re going through can be especially encouraging. Plus, finding people who can answer questions and provide emotional support from firsthand experience with the disease may feel good.
Try searching for a support group in your area through the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, or ask your doctor for information about local groups. You can also connect with others with ulcerative colitis through online communities and support groups.
The reality is that ulcerative colitis can be an unpredictable disease. You might enter remission for long periods, and suddenly, a flare-up can occur.
Try to reduce the chances of a flare-up by being proactive. Be mindful of your flare-up triggers. For example, if certain foods seem to provoke unpleasant symptoms, plan ahead — especially if you’re traveling or spending time with uncertain access to a toilet.
Even if you’re in remission, taking your medications is an important part of your prevention plan. Do not skip a dose, no matter how difficult it might be to take your medication. However, let your doctor know if you have challenges taking your meds.
Sometimes, ulcerative colitis progresses from mild to moderate or moderate to severe. This progression means first-line treatments can work well initially, but you may need to try something else — or add another medication. Your doctor might also have other suggestions for improving your quality of life, so ask for help when needed.