Can an urgent bowel movement mean new flares in my wife’s UC?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My wife, aged 34, has had ulcerative colitis for the last two years and usually manages it with medication. Recently, she started having urgent bowel movements again, almost six times a day, with mild fever and abdominal discomfort.
Could this indicate a new flare, even though she has been taking medicines regularly?
Should we repeat a colonoscopy every time symptoms worsen?
Is stress known to trigger these flare episodes?
Please help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Ulcerative colitis can have periods of remission and flares. Passing stools five to six times daily with urgency, abdominal discomfort, and mild fever can indeed suggest a possible flare, even if medications are being taken regularly.
Flares may occur due to infection, reduced response to current therapy, medication non-adherence, or other triggers. It is important to first rule out intestinal infections (such as bacterial or parasitic infections) because these can mimic a flare and worsen symptoms in patients with ulcerative colitis.
It is not necessary to do colonoscopy every time there is a worsening of symptoms. Usually, before colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is performed, stool tests (including stool infection test and stool calprotectin) as well as blood tests to measure inflammation are done.
Stress does not cause ulcerative colitis but can affect the movement of the intestines and immune reactions and may lead to or worsen the condition in some individuals. It is recommended that one maintains medications, proper hydration, balanced diet, enough sleep, and stress relief to prevent attacks.
If symptoms continue for more than a few days or fever increases, it would be advisable to consult the treating gastroenterologist to reassess treatment and exclude infection. Early management can help control the flare more effectively.
I hope this answers your query.
Please let me know if I can assist you further.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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