But if you or a loved one has lived with UC for a while, you’re probably looking for information that addresses specific challenges that often come with this condition. This guide aims to provide an overview that goes beyond the basics, instead highlighting relevant topics in a number of areas that may affect you or your family. Whether you’re looking to modify your treatment strategy for UC, to learn about options for managing the condition through diet or other lifestyle measures, or to deal with specific complications — or even if you don’t know what you’re looking for, but you want all the information you can get — there’s a good chance you’ll find something helpful in one of the sections below. Here’s a look at different ways to maximize your health and solve problems that may interfere with going about your life when you have UC.
Managing Pain and Disruptive UC Symptoms
The reality of living with UC — particularly during disease flares — sometimes means enduring abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, gas, and other disruptive symptoms. And that’s assuming you’re not experiencing even more troubling symptoms, such as having blood in your stool or experiencing severe fatigue — both of which are grounds for seeking prompt medical attention. If you’re experiencing pain or nausea during a flare, it’s critical to get enough sleep and lie down when you feel the need to rest. Staying well hydrated is also important, especially if you aren’t eating as much as you typically do. Some people with UC find it helpful to apply gentle heat to their abdomen if they’re experiencing cramping or nausea. You can also ask your doctor about prescription or over-the-counter drugs for managing your symptoms, such as anti-nausea drugs or medical marijuana, if it’s available in your state or territory. Ultimately, the most important strategy for minimizing UC symptoms is to keep your disease in remission. If you’re experiencing flares too often, you may want to discuss rethinking your treatment strategy with your doctor. For more information on UC symptom management: 5 Complications of Ulcerative Colitis and How to Avoid Them How to Ease Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms During a Flare 5 Ways to Control Ulcerative Colitis Pain 7 Embarrassing Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms — Solved 6 Best Tips for Dealing With Nausea When You Have UC 5 Ways to Cope With Chronic Anxiety When You Have Ulcerative Colitis How Does Ulcerative Colitis Interfere With Your Sleep?
Diet for Ulcerative Colitis
UC isn’t known to be caused by any particular diet or foods, and there’s no single dietary strategy that works for everyone with the condition. In fact, some people with UC may find that no dietary changes are needed to control symptoms. But for many people with UC, it’s important to follow a diet that doesn’t aggravate their symptoms. That may mean avoiding certain trigger foods or following a very restrictive regimen like a low-FODMAP diet. It’s also important to get enough fluids in your diet, especially if you have active disease or are experiencing diarrhea. Foods that may be helpful when you have UC include these choices:
Lean proteins, such as fish or poultryCooked vegetables and fruitsYogurt and other fermented foods, such as kefir or sauerkrautAvocados and olive oil, as sources of healthy fatEasy-to-digest starches, such as white rice, traditional pasta, or instant oatmeal
Foods that you may find best to avoid when you have UC include these items:
Uncooked vegetables and fruitsNuts and seedsLegumes, like dried beans, chickpeas, and lentilsWhole-grain bread, crackers, pasta, or cerealFried or greasy foodsDairy productsSpicy foodsSweet or sugary foodsBeverages containing alcohol, caffeine, or carbonationGrains, especially those containing gluten (if you’re sensitive to gluten)
For more information on diet and UC: What to Know About Diet and Nutrition When You Have Ulcerative Colitis Should You Start a Low-FODMAP Diet if You Have Ulcerative Colitis? Best (and Worst) Foods for Ulcerative Colitis 9 Healthy Foods for Ulcerative Colitis 13 Quick and Healthy Snacks for Ulcerative Colitis Food Swaps for a Healthy Ulcerative Colitis Diet Can Prebiotics in Food Treat Ulcerative Colitis? Here’s What You Need to Know 5 Summer Treats for People With Ulcerative Colitis 5 Vegetable Recipes That Are Ulcerative Colitis–Friendly 5 Gut-Soothing Teas for People With Ulcerative Colitis 8 Foods to Eat During an Ulcerative Colitis Flare
Exercising With Ulcerative Colitis
Some people with UC find that getting enough of the right kinds of exercise helps them feel better — possibly by reducing stress and promoting a general sense of well-being. Exercise can also have long-term benefits that may help counteract certain UC complications, such as by strengthening your bones and possibly lowering your risk of colorectal cancer. But you may need to take certain precautions while exercising when you have UC, to make sure you don’t aggravate your condition — and to account for any symptoms you’re currently experiencing. Here are some tips:
Stay close to a bathroom.Drink lots of water.Don’t overexert yourself.Rest during disease flare-ups.
For more information on UC and exercise: 8 Running Tips for People With UC Using Exercise to Ease Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms Staying Fit After an Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis: A Runner’s Story
Managing Prescriptions for Ulcerative Colitis
Unlike other chronic health conditions, UC doesn’t typically involve complicated management of prescriptions. You’ll usually be prescribed an anti-inflammatory drug, an immunosuppressant, or a combination of medications, and you’ll get instruction on how often to take them. While it may be tempting or easy to skip your medication once you start feeling better, it’s important that you don’t. Taking all of your medications as prescribed helps make sure that your UC stays in remission. In fact, not taking medications as prescribed is a major cause of UC flares. Your treatment may also involve getting infusions of a drug in a healthcare setting on a recurring basis. If your doctor prescribes this treatment, it’s important that you show up for your appointments as scheduled to make sure the drug keeps working as intended. For more information: 10 Common Mistakes That Can Make Ulcerative Colitis Worse Your Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Isn’t Working: Now What? Thinking of Stopping Ulcerative Colitis Medication? Think Again Many IBD Patients Skipped or Reduced Medication Doses Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Ulcerative Colitis
A wide variety of alternative remedies have been touted for their beneficial role in UC, and some have even undergone limited scientific studies. But what works for one person with UC may not work for another. It’s important to discuss alternative treatments with your doctor before trying them, to make sure they’re safe for your situation. Alternative remedies like these may have some benefit for certain people with UC:
Relaxation trainingCognitive behavioral therapyAcupunctureTurmeric supplementsProbiotic supplementsOmega-3 fatty acid (fish oil) supplementsAloe vera (gel or juice)Apple cider vinegarMedicinal marijuana
For more information on alternative therapies for UC: 5 Gut-Soothing Teas for People With Ulcerative Colitis Getting More Vitamin D May Help Ward Off Ulcerative Colitis Flare-Ups Can Turmeric Help Ease Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms? Only for Some Can Apple Cider Vinegar Treat Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms? How Medicinal Marijuana Helps My UC Can Aromatherapy Help Ease Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms?
Managing Ulcerative Colitis Complications
UC can cause damage both within and outside your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, due to the effects of inflammation throughout your body as well as potential nutrient deficiencies caused by poor absorption in your GI tract. On top of the inflammation and ulceration that UC causes in your colon, it can also lead to more serious problems in your GI tract:
Severe bleeding (with blood in your stool)Severe dehydrationPerforation of your colon (developing a hole)Toxic megacolon (a severely inflamed, enlarged colon)
All of these GI complications require urgent or emergency medical attention. Other complications outside your GI tract may develop because of UC:
Osteoporosis (bone loss)Arthritis (joint inflammation)Liver diseaseKidney disordersEye disordersSkin disordersIron deficiency and anemia (insufficient red blood cells)Heart and blood vessel disorders
If you develop any symptoms outside your GI tract that may be linked to UC, it’s important to bring them up with your doctor and receive medical treatment, if necessary. For more information on UC complications: What You Need to Know About Toxic Megacolon if You Have Ulcerative Colitis 5 Complications of Ulcerative Colitis and How to Avoid Them IBD Is Associated With Increased Risk of Dementia, Study Finds 8 Ways to Ward Off Osteoporosis if You Have Ulcerative Colitis Can Ulcerative Colitis Harm Your Heart?
Traveling With Ulcerative Colitis
Parts of the world are starting to open up again, but traveling with UC can be a daunting prospect. You may worry about whether you’ll always have access to a restroom when you need it or whether food options will fit with your dietary needs. And it’s possible that your UC symptoms could leave you unable to take part in activities you have planned. You can’t account for every possibility when you travel, but you can plan ahead to make sure you’re as prepared as you can be. That means taking the following steps before you leave on a trip: Find out about restroom facilities and meal options. If you’re going on a vacation, don’t book your stay at a hotel or resort until you’re satisfied that the facilities offer what you need. You may be able to request a seat near a restroom or a special meal on an airplane or train. If you’re driving, you can plan out restroom and meal stops ahead of time. Talk to your doctor about your plans. Your doctor may be able to prescribe extra medications to bring along in case you develop symptoms related to UC, such as diarrhea or a GI tract infection. You can also develop a plan to contact your doctor or a local one if the need arises when you’re away. Pack backup supplies. This can mean anything from baby wipes to extra food that you know you can tolerate, if an acceptable meal or snack isn’t available at some point. Bring along extra clothing options in case you need to change unexpectedly. Check out pharmacies and health insurance coverage. Pack copies of the prescriptions for all the drugs you take and keep them close by in case you lose your medications. Also make sure you’ll be covered by insurance if an urgent healthcare need arises at your destination, and purchase travel insurance if necessary. Once you’ve left on your trip, the following tips may help you stay healthy and happy:
Get plenty of rest.Drink plenty of fluids.Avoid alcohol.Mention your UC whenever you have a special request or question.Wear sunscreen as needed (some drugs for UC can increase sensitivity to sunlight).Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer or wipes to avoid infection.Avoid unfamiliar foods.Limit your infection risk by avoiding possibly unpasteurized dairy products, room-temperature prepared foods, and foods containing peeled eggs or fruit.
GastroenterologistGastroenterology nurseDietitianColorectal surgeon (colon and rectal surgeon)
For more information on seeing a doctor for UC: Finding the Right Ulcerative Colitis Doctor The Visit IBD: An Interactive Appointment Experience How Telehealth Is Changing Care for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis How to Use Telehealth to Get a Second Opinion for IBD
Gastroenterologist
A gastroenterologist is likely to be your main doctor when it comes to treating and managing your UC. Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat conditions of the GI tract, including prescribing or administering drugs, and performing simple procedures like colonoscopies. All gastroenterologists are trained to treat UC, but larger or academic gastroenterology practices often have doctors who further specialize in inflammatory bowel disease, which includes UC and Crohn’s disease. If your UC is severe or complicated to treat, you may benefit from seeing an IBD specialist.
Gastroenterology Nurse
Many larger or academic gastroenterology departments include a range of healthcare professionals who are trained to assist in treating disorders of the GI tract, such as UC. Gastroenterology nurses are trained to talk to people with UC about symptoms and treatments, and also to help gastroenterologists perform procedures and administer treatments.
Dietitian
A dietitian who is affiliated with a gastroenterology practice or specializes in IBD may be helpful if you’re having trouble figuring out what kind of diet is best for your UC. If you have any nutrient deficiencies related to UC, a dietitian can also help make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need in your diet.
Colorectal Surgeon
Your gastroenterologist may refer you to see a colorectal surgeon if you need evaluation for surgical treatment of your UC, such as the removal of your colon or rectum or related procedures. If you live in an area where specialists are limited, a colorectal surgeon may also be an option as the main doctor to treat your UC. Rates of depression are higher in people with UC than the general population, and anxiety is also common in people with UC, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. It’s important to address these issues as seriously as you would any other symptom or complication of UC. For more information on UC and mental health: How to Handle the Emotional Side of Ulcerative Colitis The Link Between Ulcerative Colitis and Stress 5 Ways to Cope With Chronic Anxiety When You Have Ulcerative Colitis How to Help Your Teen Cope With the Mental Health Challenges of IBD Has IBD Made You Food-Phobic? You May Have a Mental Health Disorder Called ARFID
Managing Depression and Ulcerative Colitis
If you experience signs of depression for longer than about two weeks, you should seek the help of a healthcare professional, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. These signs may include:
A persistent sad or empty feelingA sense of hopelessness or worthlessnessLoss of interest in activities you once enjoyedFatigueDifficulty concentrating or rememberingInsomnia or oversleepingLoss of appetite or overeatingIrritability or restlessness
While you may benefit from therapy or medical treatment for your depression, you can also take steps on your own to combat it:
Set realistic goals, taking into account your UC and depression.Break large tasks into smaller ones.Spend quality time with friends or family.Participate in any activities that you enjoy.Ask for help from friends and family when you need it.
For more information on UC and depression: How Working With a Therapist Can Alleviate Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms Mental Health Disorders High Among Veterans With IBD, Study Finds Living With UC: Overcoming Thoughts of Suicide
Managing Anxiety and Ulcerative Colitis
If you often feel worried or panicked about your UC or anything else, and this interferes with your normal daily functioning over the course of about two weeks, you should consider getting help from a healthcare professional, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. You can take some steps on your own to help relieve anxiety:
Light aerobic exerciseRelaxation or breathing exercisesMeditation or guided imageryPracticing yoga or tai chiSpending quality time with friends or familyParticipating in any activities that you enjoy
Managing Stress and Ulcerative Colitis
Stress is your body’s normal response to situations in which you’re expected to perform, but it can take a toll on your mental and physical health when it’s prolonged or tied to negative emotions, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. You may be able to reduce stress when you have UC by using these tactics:
Being aware of where the nearest bathroom is at all timesCarrying extra toilet paper, wipes, or underwearAccepting or letting go of your situationLeaning on friends or family for help when you need it
For more information on UC and stress: The Link Between Ulcerative Colitis and Stress Ulcerative Colitis: Why Stress Management Is Key to Staying Healthy But friends and family can also be a tremendous source of support when you have UC, so it’s important to give the people in your life a chance. That doesn’t mean there won’t be hurdles to overcome, especially when it comes to difficult issues like navigating sexual problems — certain relationships may take some work.
Your Family, Friendships, and Ulcerative Colitis
Talking to your friends about UC may not come naturally with every single person. Not everyone will truly understand why you’ve been canceling plans, and they may think you’re simply not interested in them anymore, especially if you don’t look obviously ill. For tips for talking to friends and family about UC: How to Talk to Your Kids About Ulcerative Colitis
Dating With Ulcerative Colitis
Meeting new romantic prospects may seem daunting when you have UC — and it’s true that not everyone wants to be in a relationship with someone with a chronic illness. But by being upfront about your UC, you can often weed out those people and find someone who cares enough about you to deal with your condition. Dating may not look the same for you as for someone without UC. You may need to be clear about what activities and foods you can handle, and you’ll need to decide how much to tell a romantic prospect about your UC at any given time. And sometimes, you may need to take a break from dating or intimacy if you’re experiencing disruptive symptoms. For more information about dating with UC: Dating Advice for People With Ulcerative Colitis Finding Love With Ulcerative Colitis: Megan’s Story How to Talk to Your Doctor About Sex if You Have IBD
Family Planning With Ulcerative Colitis
Planning for a pregnancy can be more difficult when you have UC. You’ll want to be in the best possible physical condition, which means staying in remission if possible — and this may mean deciding to keep taking medications for UC during your pregnancy. But you may need to switch to a safer or more effective drug for your UC if you plan on becoming pregnant, so it’s essential to talk with your doctor ahead of time to map out a treatment strategy. And even if you do this, it’s possible that you’ll experience UC-related pregnancy complications or a pregnancy-related flare of your UC. For more information about UC and pregnancy: Should You Take IBD Medication During Pregnancy?
Sex Life With Ulcerative Colitis
Having UC can create challenges for your sex life, from body image problems to physical difficulties such as discomfort or erectile dysfunction. It’s important to bring up any sexual problems at doctor’s appointments and pursue any treatments that you and your doctor decide could be helpful. For both men and women with UC, sexual dysfunction is a common problem, and it is often related to depression and emotional distress. By effectively treating your UC and addressing any emotional difficulties related to it, you may be able to indirectly improve your sex life, as well. For more information about UC and sex: How to Talk to Your Doctor About Sex if You Have IBD Erectile Dysfunction and UC: What You Need to Know Drugs prescribed to treat inflammation in UC include several classes of drugs: aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologics. Other drugs may be prescribed for specific symptoms or complications, such as antibiotics for infection or antidiarrheal drugs for diarrhea. For more information on drugs for UC: Ulcerative Colitis Medication Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis Your Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Isn’t Working: Now What? 10 Things to Know About Biologics for Ulcerative Colitis Everything You Need to Know About Biosimilar Drugs for Ulcerative Colitis The Consumer’s Guide to S1P Receptor Modulators for Ulcerative Colitis Biologic Medication Can Help Those With Severe UC Keep Their Colon, Research Suggests The Pros and Cons of Taking Steroids for Ulcerative Colitis The reality of workplace cultures and expectations may also clash with your needs when it comes to UC, which can make it difficult to thrive in many jobs and limit your potential for income growth. And if your UC lands you in the hospital, you can face the double whammy of hospital bills and lost income from work.
Medication Prices for UC
Some medications for UC can carry significant out-of-pocket costs, even if you have good health insurance. If your insurance coverage leaves you with significant deductibles and copays, you could find yourself spending thousands of dollars each year on your medications. There are strategies, though, that may help you save on the cost of prescription drugs for UC, from discount programs to talking with your doctor about generic drug options. For more information: A Consumer’s Guide to Drug Discounts
Shopping for Health Insurance With UC
If you’re considering switching to a new health insurance plan — whether through your or your spouse’s employer, as part of Medicare, or in your state or the federal health insurance marketplace — you’ll need to consider how the move affects both your UC treatment and your finances. If you expect a high number of doctor appointments, office procedures, or expensive drug treatments, you may want to choose a plan with higher premiums but a lower deductible, since it’s likely you’ll reach your deductible quickly. You’ll also want to make sure your regular medications are covered under any plan, and that your preferred doctors are part of the network coverage. For more information: Understanding Health Insurance
Managing Your Work Life With Ulcerative Colitis
Because of the range of disruptive symptoms it can cause, your UC can present difficulties in the workplace — whether that’s in an office, retail store, or industrial space. You may need to use the bathroom more often than other people, or you may be worried about the impression that gas or bloating make on your coworkers or customers. There are no easy solutions in this area, but if you’re looking for a new job, it may help to ask about policies like working from home, sick days, paid time off, and of course, bathroom breaks. You’ll also want to get the best sense possible of whether your potential supervisor, or the workplace in general, is supportive of individual needs and work-life balance. Although it can be a difficult choice, if your current job isn’t compatible with your physical or emotional needs because of your UC, you may need to look for a new job that’s a better fit. For more information on working with UC: 6 Tips for Managing Career Success When You Have Ulcerative Colitis
Can You Apply for Disability if You Have Ulcerative Colitis?
You may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits if UC leaves you unable to work due to severe complications. Social Security regulations permit these benefits if someone with an IBD has one of these qualifying conditions:
Bowel obstructionAnemiaLow albumin levelsA painful abdominal massExtreme weight lossDaily enteral (by tube) or parenteral (intravenous) nutrition requirements
You can find out what documents you need and apply for benefits online or at your local Social Security office.
Brooke Bogdan: UC Advocate Living With a J-Pouch
Since having her colon removed several years ago, Brooke Bodgan has been living with a J-pouch, and she has seen a number of health challenges and triumphs. In two stories, she recounts how she got involved in advocacy for UC and how she’s adapted to life without a colon. How to Become a Loud, Proud Advocate for People With UC 5 Years With a J-Pouch: Navigating the Challenges and Changes How to Navigate the Dating World When You Have Ulcerative Colitis 6 Best Tips for Dealing With Nausea When You Have UC
How to Find a Clinical Trial for Ulcerative Colitis
The best resource for clinical trials when you have UC is likely to be your doctor or surgeon, since you’ll need to discuss the risks and possible benefits of joining a trial. You can also browse or search for trials on the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation website or at ClinicalTrials.gov. To apply for a trial, you’ll need to submit a formal application. You’ll then be screened for eligibility and contacted by phone if the trial’s organizers believe you could be a good fit.
What to Consider Before Joining a Clinical Trial for Ulcerative Colitis
The decision to apply for a clinical trial should be made in tandem with your doctor, since there are many medical factors to consider:
The likelihood of UC remission by participating in the trialThe possible side effects of the treatment being studiedThe timing and length of the trial, and how it relates to your current condition
You should also consider whether you’re willing to go through a potentially lengthy application process, and you should have a plan for what you’ll do if you aren’t accepted into a trial. For more information: How to Apply for Drug Trials When You Have Ulcerative Colitis For news and updates: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation: News & Events American College of Gastroenterology: IBD Podcasts and Videos Additional reporting by Jordan M. Davidson.
