Many factors, including environmental risk factors may play a role when ulcerative colitis flares occur, which can lead to worsening or return symptoms.
Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the colon and rectum, is known as chronic obstructive colitis.
People can experience symptoms such as diarrhea or abdominal pain during flares. A flare is often followed by a period of remission.
Although the exact cause is not known, it is possible to get UC.
Dr. Ashkan Farhadi is a gastroenterologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, Fountain Valley, CA. Medical News TodayLearn about the different environmental factors that may impact people with UC.
This article also reviews the most recent studies on environmental factors that can impact UC symptoms.
An individual’s environment could expose them to risk factors which can aggravate or possibly cause UC flares.
Although everyone reacts differently, there are common environmental triggers.
- diet
- Infections
- Pollution exposure
- stress
- Use of certain medications
- Operations
Infection
The Crohns & Colitis FoundationNote that an infection could be the trigger event that causes UC.
In a 2021 studyResearchers discovered that the rate of common infection, including those that cause death, is higher than previously thought. Salmonella, Campylobacter, Clostridioides difficileAmong people who have UC, the percentage is higher.
Dr. Farhadi emphasized that although bacterial infection can be from bacteria, Salmonella Campylobacter We can’t prove the causation of an association with UC.
Dr. Farhadi noted that if someone has a C. difficileflares and they may not respond to treatment. To bring the disease under control, the person must be treated.
It is important to be alert for signs of infection, especially if you are using immunotherapies, biologics, corticosteroids or biologics.
Smoking
Although smoking can have many negative health effects, UC appears to be a good alternative. Studies have actually shown weak evidenceSmoking may be a factor in reducing the severity of UC.
Although experts aren’t able to determine the exact protective effect of smoking on UCs, they believe nicotine may play a part. According to the Crohns & Colitis Foundation, nicotine may protect against UC by:
- Increased production of mucus from the colon and rectum
- Stimulating the immune system and preventing inflammation
- Releases nitric oxygen, which can reduce muscle activity in colon
According to a
- nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Trouble sleeping
Dr. Farhadi said that smoking can trigger UC flare-ups, but the benefits of quitting are greater than the risk of flares.
There are many health benefits to quitting smoking
- Improved overall health
- Increased life expectancy
- Lower chance of getting cancer
- Lower risk of stroke and heart disease
Also, smokers should consider quitting smoking even if they experience flare-ups in their UC symptoms.
Medications
Some medications can cause flares in UC symptoms. These medications IncludeNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), which include aspirin, ibuprofen(Advil), and naproxen/Aleve. Flares may also be caused by some antibiotics.
People taking medication for their UC might experience flares if the medication is not taken on a regular basis.
Exercise is not enough
Regular movement can improve a person’s overall health.
Dr. Farhadi recommends regular exercise [can help]Manage your stress. His advice is to take daily walks [for a]Minimum of 30 minutes at the fastest pace possible, without jogging.
This type of exercise is great for improving cardiovascular fitness, managing body weight, improving sleep quality, and reducing stress.
Stress
Stress can worsenThese are the symptoms of UC.
Dr. Farhadi explained that several of his patients experienced the same psychological stress and flares. Dr. Farhadi said that UC symptoms can be triggered by stress-inducing events such as job interviews, final exams, divorce, and final exams.
He recommended that people with UC learn to manage stress better so they can handle stressful situations more effectively. He also suggested mindful meditation.
Sleep hygiene
Sleep can play a significant role in reducing or preventing UC flares.
Dr. Farhadi recommends that people plan to practice a consistent sleeping hygiene routine at least 6 days per week. Doing so can help minimize UC flares.
These are some tips to improve sleep hygiene
- Remove all electronic devices from the area
- You can sleep in a darkened bedroom at a comfortable temperature
- Going to sleep and waking at the same time
- Avoid large meals and caffeine before bed.
- Regular exercise
Air pollution
According to a 2019 ReviewStudies have shown that air pollution may play a role the development of UC. Researchers looked at the home environment of children and found that those who were exposed to air pollutants regularly or frequently had a higher rate of developing UC.
Additives and diets
Dr. Farhadi acknowledged that diet plays a role in UC patients’ lives, but he also said that no studies have shown that one diet is better than the other when it comes to UC.
Instead, he suggested that people listen more to their gut. To put it another way, if a food causes discomfort, they should avoid it. He also mentioned that people with lactose intolerant may experience flares when they eat dairy.
Some studiesSoft drinks can also be a risk factor in UC flares.
Exclusion diets may also be helpful for UC symptoms.
The study authors recommend that people with UC eat a wider variety of homemade foods, but they don’t recommend any one diet. They can avoid food additives like sugar and salt which could lead to flares.
