Flares and fatigue
Agree a flare plan with your IBD team, and contact them early if symptoms start. Pace yourself, and plan rest.
Food
There is no one diet for IBD. Some people find certain foods make symptoms worse during a flare. Keep a food diary, and talk to a dietitian before cutting out whole food groups.
Stop smoking
Smoking makes Crohn's disease worse and treatments less effective. Your local stop smoking service can help for free.
Toilet access
- a Radar key opens thousands of locked accessible toilets. See accessible toilets
- a "Can't Wait" card from Crohn's and Colitis UK or Bladder and Bowel UK can help you ask to use a toilet in shops and cafes
Travel
Plan toilet stops, carry a spare change of clothes, and take extra medicine. Check if your medicines need to be kept cool.
Mental health
Anxiety and depression are more common with IBD. Talk to your team or GP if you are struggling.
Support
Crohn's and Colitis UK has a helpline and local networks. Colostomy UK and the IA (Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association) support people with stomas.
Sources we used
We check this page at least once a year, and sooner when the rules change. Read how we check our facts, or tell us if something looks wrong.