Flares

A flare is when symptoms come back and you feel unwell.  It will be very personal to you.  The symptoms will vary from person to person, over time and will depend where your IBD is in your gut.

Signs of flare can include.

• Going to the toilet more than 5 times in 24 hours – or more than is normal for you
• Loose poo or diarrhoea with any blood or mucus for more than three days
• Abdominal pain
• Just generally feel worse, especially if you have a fever
• Waking up at night to go to the toilet

You may also experience symptoms outside the gut during a flare-up such as:

• Joint pain and swelling
• Swelling in the eyes
• Mouth ulcers
• Skin rashes
• Fatigue
• Mental health problems

You can find more detailed information about flares here

If you think you are having a flare, please call the IBD Nurse Advice Line on (0114) 271 2209 for advice and support.  We keep urgent clinic slots available so that you can quickly see one of our specialists.  If the advice line is not available, please call your GP or 111 for advice.