Self-management for ulcerative colitis relapse
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Helping patients own their IBD, step-by-step. How to 'extinguish the flame'.
Step 1: blood tests
If required, get some blood tests taken at your usual service. This may be a GP health centre or phlebotomy hub:
- full blood count
- liver function tests
- urea and electrolytes
- inflammatory markers - ESR and CRP
These blood tests can be extremely useful in determining whether your IBD has begun to relapse. It will help your IBD team decide on the best treatment options to regain remission quickly.
Step 2: stool tests
If required, check for:
- bacteria or parasite cultures
- faecal calprotectin
Having IBD means you are at risk of developing infections in your gut. A stool sample can help decide whether you need antibiotic therapy. In some cases a change in your bowel habit may be caused by something other than IBD.
Calprotectin is a protein that is released in your gut when you have a relapse. A test can be extremely helpful to your IBD team, who can interpret the results to decide on the best treatment for you.
Step 3: medicines
See IBD medicines.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) includes the conditions ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease - both are chronic co...
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Self-management for ulcerative colitis relapse
Helping patients own their IBD, step-by-step. How to 'extinguish the flame'.
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IBD medicines
Check the drug listings here to see whether you can increase IBD therapies safely.