Can you fly with ulcerative colitis? What to know. – Medical News Today

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Although the condition can make traveling more difficult, preparation can help.

People with UC may worry about bathroom access, food options, and the potential of triggering a flare.

These individuals may wish to plan certain things in advance to make traveling enjoyable and low stress. For instance, they can look into bathroom availability, pack any medications they may need, research food options, and bring a travel pack with hygiene products.

Read more to learn about common travel challenges, tips, and precautions for people with UC.

Although individuals with UC may feel limited at times, flying and other forms of transport are possible with some planning and precautions.

As air travel may make gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms worse, a person should prepare for possible GI distress. A 2014 study found that people with IBD may have an increase in symptoms in the 4 weeks following air travel. The authors suggest that air pressure and oxygen changes inside airplanes could be responsible.

In addition, people with UC should be aware that they have a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). According to a 2014 study, people with IBD are up to three times more likely to develop DVT than those without IBD.

Although DVT is rare, it can be fatal.

Traveling with UC is very doable, and people should not feel restricted by their condition.

However, there are several common challenges to consider, besides the typical jet lag and airport stress. Some of these are:

People with UC may find the following travel tips useful:

The correct preparation can help individuals living with UC feel less stressed about any upcoming travel.

Before traveling, it can be helpful to discuss any concerns with a doctor and any travel partners. People can also pack clothes, hygiene products, and safe foods to keep them comfortable.

As part of preparing for a trip, people with UC may find the following useful:

Even individuals with well-controlled UC can find that their symptoms suddenly flare up during or after a trip.

In some cases, UC can cause life threatening complications. Although these are rare, it is important to be aware of the signs to know when medical help is necessary.

The following are UC emergencies that require immediate medical attention:

People with UC may experience various challenges associated with traveling and flying. These can include difficulty finding bathrooms, accessing safe foods, and managing potential flares.

Although flying with UC is possible, people should be aware that their symptoms may worsen during or after a flight. However, with adequate preparation, many people with UC can enjoy travel while minimizing the impact on their condition.

People should consider talking with their doctor and travel partners before flying. They can also prepare by packing spare clothing, a travel hygiene kit, safe food snacks, and properly labeled medication.

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Can you fly with ulcerative colitis? What to know. - Medical News Today