IBD flare ups and management
What is an IBD flare?
An IBD flare is the reappearance of disease symptoms. The most common symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease are:
- Frequent and/or urgent bowel movements
- Diarrhoea
- Bloody stools
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
Other symptoms, including poor appetite, fatigue, joint and body aches, skin rashes and painful red eyes/visual disturbance, may also occur.
The symptoms of an IBD flare will vary from person to person and may change over time.
The symptoms are also dependent on the disease location and whether it is Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis.
Exclude infection
Infection must always be excluded before treatment of a flare is commenced. Initial investigations for any IBD patient experiencing increased symptoms include blood and stool tests so please visit your GP.