Considerations for diagnosed patients
Recognition of IBD flares, relapse, and/or severe acute colitis
Recognizing symptoms
Primary care clinicians play a critical role in recognizing IBD flares, relapses, and complications. Patients may exhibit recurring IBD symptoms such as frequent/urgent bowel movements, diarrhea, bloody stool, or abdominal pain, stemming from various factors.
Identifying risk factors
Factors contributing to IBD flares include:
Medication nonadherence
Smoking
Infection/antibiotics
Stress
Food
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Evaluation
Suspected flares should be thoroughly evaluated with a history and physical, laboratory evaluation, imaging, and, potentially, endoscopy.
Clinical Tools: Assessment
- Use tools such as the Harvey-Bradshaw Index (Crohn’s disease) and the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (ulcerative colitis) to assess for disease severity and possibility of relapse
- High scores on either of these assessments may indicate a need for treatment/treatment modification and consultation with IBD specialists
