Identifying your triggers can help you manage ulcerative colitis (UC) flares
What are triggers?
As with many other chronic illnesses, your UC can flare from time to time. A variety of different factors can trigger flares in your UC symptoms. These can vary from person to person and change from season to season. Although some symptoms may go away at certain times, your UC may still be active. You may find that your symptoms flare when you are exposed to certain triggers, such as:1
Common IBD flare triggers1
Taking medication incorrectly
IBD treatments aim to control symptoms and prevent them in future. Missing doses or not taking your medication as prescribed by your doctor may make your medicine less effective.
Stress
Stressful situations and strong emotions may impact IBD symptoms. Being aware of stressors in your life and practicing some stress-reducing techniques can help you combat this.
Diet
Diet does not cause or cure CD, but certain foods may trigger or aggravate your symptoms. Talk to a dietitian or other healthcare professional to help find the right diet for you, and before choosing to cut out any foods.
Certain types of medicines
Some medications may aggravate your symptoms.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen or aspirin) may inflame the bowel. Antibiotics can alter the balance of bacteria in your gut, which may cause diarrhoea or lead to an overgrowth of some bacteria that can cause inflammation. Your doctor or pharmacist could help to review and provide advice on your current medications.
Tracking your flares1
Keep a diary for your medication, symptoms, diet, stress and overall wellbeing. This may help you to identify potential triggers or any patterns related to your flares.
For example, do you have increased stress levels before a flare? Do you get stressed with particular events? Do you get symptoms more often when you eat or drink particular foods?
You can also share this information with your doctor, who can help you identify potential triggers based on their clinical experience, with the aim of helping to prevent future flares.
Managing flares1
It’s important to remind yourself that while some symptoms may be especially difficult to manage, they may be temporary. If you take your medication properly and follow your doctor’s instructions, you may experience a reduction in how often you have flares.
Tracking your response to triggers and talking to your doctor about how to minimise them can help you feel more in control of your UC.
There are other ways to try to minimise the triggers in your life, including:
- Seeing your doctor regularly and telling them about any medication you are taking or plan to take can help you avoid medication-based triggers.
- Practising stress-management techniques can help you reduce the impact of stress in your life.
- Consulting an accredited dietitian can help you nourish your body while avoiding any personal food triggers.
Here are some practical steps to consider, so you can be prepared and feel in control during a flare-up:
Have an emergency kit
Knowing you have spare underwear, a change of clothing, baby wipes, toilet paper, sanitary care items and deodorant–should you need it–can help you feel confident that you’re prepared for a bowel urgency.
Know where to go
Planning your itinerary in advance including accessible toilet facilities and transport, if you need to leave earlier than expected, can ease your mind when you leave home. There are also bathroom locator apps that can help, such as the National Public Toilet Map and Flush.
Have a buddy
Talking to a trusted friend or colleague about your condition means they can better understand and support you when needed.
Know your flare schedule
Pay attention to when your symptoms are more active, so you can be more flexible with your routine around these times.
Make time for naps and no’s
During flares you may find you get exhausted quickly and more often. It’s OK to know your limitations and set boundaries in order to take care of yourself. This can mean taking time to nap as needed and saying no to activities that will tire you.
IBD is a condition that affects people young and old, from all backgrounds and ethnicities.2
You can meet some of them here and read their stories.
References: 1. Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. Managing Flares and IBD Symptoms. Available from: crohnscolitisfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2019-07/managing-flares-brochure-final-online.pdf Accessed: August 2025. 2. Crohn’s and Colitis Australia. Ulcerative colitis. Available from: crohnsandcolitis.org.au/about-crohns-colitis/ulcerative-colitis Accessed: August 2025. AC-005092-00. AU-RNQ-250043. August 2025.