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. Counselling may help teens who are having a hard time coping with the disease.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
How can you care for your child at home?
- Call your doctor or nurse advice line 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 natural health 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 fibre 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.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
- Your child's stools are maroon or very bloody.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has symptoms of dehydration, such as:
- Dry eyes and a dry mouth.
- Passing only a little urine.
- Feeling thirstier than usual.
- Your child has new or worse belly pain.
- Your child has a fever.
- Your child has new or worse nausea or vomiting.
- Your child has new or more blood in their stools.
- Your child cannot pass stools or gas.
- Your child has pus draining from the area around the anus or pain and swelling in the anal area.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- Your child has new or worse symptoms, such as diarrhea that gets worse.
- Your child loses weight, or doesn't gain weight.
- You or your child is struggling to cope with ulcerative colitis.
- Your child is not getting better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Current as of: October 19, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
