Ulcerative Colitis in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease. The large intestine (colon) gets inflamed, and ulcers form in the colon. These ulcers can bleed.

People have "attacks" of ulcerative colitis. Attacks can come and go. They can cause painful belly cramps and bloody diarrhea.

Bad attacks are often treated in a hospital. There your child can get medicines, fluid, and nutrition through a tube in a vein, called an I.V. This lets the digestive system rest and recover.

If the medicines don't work well, your child may need surgery to remove the colon.

Learning good self-care can help your child reduce symptoms and manage ulcerative colitis.

Teens can be especially frustrated by this disease. Attacks may leave them feeling more dependent on their parents than they want to be. They may feel different from their friends. Counseling may help teens who are having a hard time coping with the disease.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine.
• Do not give your child anti-inflammatory medicines unless the doctor says it is okay. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve). They may make symptoms worse.
• Talk to your doctor before you give your child any other medicines or herbal products.
• Make sure your child eats enough protein and drinks plenty of fluids. During a flare-up, avoid foods that make your child's symptoms worse. This may include foods that are high in fiber or high in fat. It may also include foods and drinks that have lactose, like dairy products.
• Talk to a dietitian to make sure your child is getting the nutrition, including vitamins and minerals, that they need.