Can ulcerative colitis affect air travel? Important considerations
People living with ulcerative colitis (UC) can still embark on exciting travels, but careful planning is essential to ensure a comfortable and manageable trip. Here are some key strategies to help you prepare for your journey.
- Consult your doctor before traveling: It's crucial to discuss your current condition and develop a flare-up plan with your healthcare provider[1]. They can provide advice on managing your UC while away and offer guidance in case symptoms worsen.
- Pack enough medication, including extras: Ensure you have an adequate supply of your prescription medications, preferably translated if you're traveling abroad. Check the transport and storage needs to maintain medication efficacy[1][5].
- Carry a list of your medications and medical information: This will facilitate access to medical care or the purchase of medication if needed during your trip[1].
- Plan for toilet access: Since fear of not finding suitable restroom facilities can cause anxiety for about 70% of IBD patients, it's beneficial to look up bathrooms ahead of time or check for rest stops on a road trip[2].
- Bring an IBD travel packing list: Include items such as anti-diarrheal medication, snacks, hydration options, hand sanitizer, and possibly a portable seat cover or wipes to help ease discomfort[3].
- Manage stress: Preparation and knowledge about your condition can reduce travel-related anxiety[5]. Consider techniques like deep breathing exercises or mindfulness practices to help manage stress levels.
- Consider travel insurance that covers chronic conditions: This can provide access to medical care if necessary and offer reassurance[1].
- If you have had surgery or use a stoma, ensure appropriate supplies and information are included in your preparations[1].
- Avoid food and drinks that cause excessive gas or digestive upset directly before traveling. Packing safe foods that are unlikely to trigger or worsen UC symptoms can be valuable during travel[4].
- People with UC are two to three times more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT) while traveling. Long flights can increase this risk. Wearing compression stockings and getting up to walk regularly during long flights can help reduce this risk[6].
- Inform flight attendants about your UC and any potential needs. This can help ensure a comfortable trip[7].
While UC can cause life-threatening complications, understanding the signs of a UC emergency is essential. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience abdominal pain and tenderness, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, severe pain, bleeding, having more than 10 bowel movements a day, pain and swelling, fever, a rapid heart rate, and frequent and sometimes bloody diarrhea[8].
These practical steps combined help reduce discomfort, avoid flare-ups, and make travel more manageable for individuals living with UC. The advice is aligned with guidance from Crohn’s and Colitis UK and clinical nutritionists specializing in inflammatory bowel disease travel preparations[1][3][5].
[1] Crohn's and Colitis UK. (2021). Preparing for travel with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Retrieved from https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/information-and-support/living-with-crohns-disease-or-ulcerative-colitis/travel/preparing-for-travel-with-ibd/
[2] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Traveling with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/inflammatory-bowel-disease/traveling-with-ibd
[3] British Society of Gastroenterology. (2021). Travel with IBD. Retrieved from https://www.bsg.org.uk/patients/ibd/travel-with-ibd
[4] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Food and Nutrition for IBD. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/inflammatory-bowel-disease/food-nutrition-ibd
[5] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Managing Stress with IBD. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/inflammatory-bowel-disease/managing-stress-ibd
[6] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and IBD. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-complications/deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt
[7] Crohn's and Colitis UK. (2021). Flying with IBD. Retrieved from https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/information-and-support/living-with-crohns-disease-or-ulcerative-colitis/travel/flying-with-ibd/
[8] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). IBD Emergencies. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/inflammatory-bowel-disease/ibd-emergencies
- In addition to managing ulcerative colitis (UC), individuals may experience chronic kidney disease, cancer, respiratory conditions, eye health issues, and skin conditions, requiring regular medical check-ups and vigilance in health and wellness.
- Science has revealed that prolonged periods of sitting, like during long flights, may increase the risk of developing neurological disorders such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a concern for many UC patients.
- Chronic kidney disease patients are encouraged to keep up with their fitness and exercise routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage the disease effectively.
- Migraines, a common mental health issue, can exacerbate the discomfort of chronic conditions, such as UC and psoriasis, highlighting the importance of seeking appropriate treatment for both physical and mental health concerns.
- Despite managing ongoing medical conditions, people living with UC should strive for a balance between their health-related needs and their desire for excitement in life, such as traveling and exploring new places.
- Besides UC, people with chronic diseases often need to be vigilant about their cardiovascular health, ensuring regular check-ups, monitoring blood pressure, and maintaining a heart-healthy diet.
- While traveling, people with UC should prioritize their mental health and practice techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises to relieve stress and anxiety that may occur during the journey.
- Those living with UC and facing respiratory conditions might find it helpful to research hospitals and healthcare facilities in their travel destinations, ensuring they have access to care in case of an emergency arising from their concurrent medical issues.
