It is not possible to prevent ulcerative colitis because the cause of the disease is unknown at the moment. However there are steps you can take to manage and prevent a Flare-up of Ulcerative Colitis. For example, it is recommended that you take your medicines regularly which may reduce acute attacks and keep the disease in remission. At the same time, it is recommended that you avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen which has been linked flare-ups of inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, you should only use antibiotics in exceptional circumstances as it may make ulcerative colitis worse.

Some flare-ups are unavoidable, however we recommend you follow the suggestions below so as to prevent a flare-up of your disease occurring too often. See your doctor as soon as you notice any symptoms because prompt treatment prevents a more severe relapse.

Always take your medications as directed by your doctor or healthcare professionaI and do not stop taking your medications unless advised so by your doctor. You should ensure that you have an adequate supply of medications with you at all times and wherever you may be. It may be useful to keep a small stock of enemas so that treatment can commence as soon as symptoms such as mucus & blood recur. 5-ASA enemas, such as Pentasa or Asacol, are better than steroid enemas (providing you are not allergic to mesalazine). These will only be effective for colitis affecting the left colon; oral steroids may be necessary for more extensive colitis but should only be taken on instruction from the doctor.

Gastrointestinal infections may trigger a flare-up and you should therefore avoid situations, which may lead to this occurring. These include travelling to countries with poor sanitation, maintaining a high personal hygiene when preparing and cooking food and your should always avoid eating in cafés and fast food establishments.

Diet

Ensure that a healthy, balanced diet is taken, with vitamin and mineral supplements is necessary. Though diet seems to play no role in causing ulcerative colitis, it can play an important part in helping control the condition. The following advice may help:

Keep a food diary – you may find that you can tolerate some foods, while others will make your symptoms worse. By keeping a record of what and when you eat, you should be able to eliminate problem foods from your diet.

Eat small meals – eating five or six smaller meals a day, rather then three main meals, may make you feel better.

Drink plenty of fluids – it is easy to become dehydrated when you have ulcerative colitis, as you can lose a lot of fluid through diarrhoea. Water is the best source of fluids. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will make your diarrhoea worse, and fizzy drinks as these will cause gas.

Food supplements – you should ask your doctor or gastroenterologist whether you require any food supplements, as you might not be absorbing enough vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and iron.

Stress

Again, though stress does not cause ulcerative colitis, successfully managing your stress levels may reduce the frequency of symptoms. The following advice may help:

Exercise – exercise has been proven to reduce stress and lift your mood. Take regular exercise in order to build up bone strength, thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Your doctor or gastroenterologist should be able to advise you on a suitable exercise plan.

Relaxation techniques – breathing exercises, meditation and Yoga are good ways of teaching yourself to relax.

Communication – living with ulcerative colitis can be frustrating and isolating. Talking to other people with the condition can be of great benefit.
 
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