5 items to have in your bag if you have ulcerative colitis
The article was written by MSc Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment, and keeping these essentials in your emergency bag can help you cope with the illness.
1. Spare clothes
When going out, for people with ulcerative colitis, it will be difficult to avoid unintended bowel movements even if you have seen public toilets. To feel more comfortable when out and about, always carry a spare pair of pants and underwear in your emergency bag.
2. Anti-diarrheal medicine
Talk to your doctor to see if it's safe to combine anti-diarrheal medications with your prescriptions? If your doctor allows it, keep this medicine handy with emergency supplies.
Take anti-diarrheal drugs as directed, which slow down the contractions of the intestines to prevent diarrhea, but you should not take anti-diarrheal drugs as maintenance therapy.
3. Painkillers
Take over-the-counter pain relievers to prevent mild pain associated with ulcerative colitis. Talk to your doctor about safe medications. Your doctor may recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) because medications such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen sodium, and diclofenac sodium can worsen the severity of a flare.
4. Wipes and/or toilet paper
In case you need to go to the bathroom or need to change your clothes, remember to bring wet wipes and toilet paper in your emergency bag in case public toilets don't have paper.
5. Hand sanitizer
Carry gel or alcohol-based hand sanitizer in your emergency bag in case you need to clean your hands but don't have soap.
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References:
Get more information and a restroom request card. (n.d.) crohnsandcolitis.com/sign-up Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, September 9). Ulcerative colitis: Treatment and drugs mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ulcerative-colitis/basics/treatment/con-20043763 Ulcerative colitis 101(2016, June) crohnsandcolitis.com/Content/pdf/ulcerative_colitis_101.pdf Understanding ulcerative colitis. (n.d.) crohnsandcolitis.com/ulcerative-colitis