Although ulcerative colitis (UC) symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea can make traveling more difficult, a little preparation can go a long way.

While traveling, people with UC may worry about bathroom access, food options, and the potential of triggering a flare. However, planning certain things in advance can help take the stress out of travel and make trips more enjoyable.

Read on to learn about common travel challenges, strategies for overcoming them, and precautions for people with UC.

Flying and other forms of transport are possible for people with UC. However, a little planning and precaution can help ensure a comfortable trip.

When flying, changes in air pressure on the plane can make gas in the body expand. This can worsen stomach pain or bloating, especially for people with UC.

In addition, people with UC should be aware that they are two to three times more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a deep vein in the leg. Long flights can increase the risk of developing this serious type of blood clot.

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

However, there are several common challenges to consider and strategies to overcome them, such as:

  • Bathroom availability: People can look up bathrooms ahead of time, as many airports include maps of their facilities online. They can also check for rest stops on a road trip, public restrooms in a city, and more.
  • Medication quantity: For those taking extended trips away from home, finding replacement medication if needed, may be a concern. People with UC can ask their doctors to prescribe enough medication to last the duration of their trip.
  • Medication storage: Another issue is certain medications that require refrigeration, such as adalimumab (Humira) and golimumab (Simponi). A person can use a cooler to keep medications cool between destinations and check their accommodations ahead of time to confirm there is access to a fridge.
  • Accommodations: People with UC may find it helpful to book accommodations with their own bathrooms.

People with UC may find the following travel tips useful:

Talk with the flight attendants

If they are comfortable doing so, a person can inform the flight attendants about their UC and any potential needs that may arise. The attendants may be able to seat someone closer to the bathroom, provide different food and drinks, and help in case of an emergency.

Pack safe foods

It is a good idea to bring foods that are unlikely to trigger or worsen UC symptoms. These can be valuable if no safe food options are available on the plane.

Bring a travel kit

People may wish to consider including a small travel kit in their carry-on luggage. The kit could include baby wipes, toilet paper, sanitary disposal bags, soap, and hand sanitizer.

Keeping an extra outfit and underwear on-hand in a carry-on bag means that no matter what happens while traveling, the person can feel comfortable when they arrive.

Label medications

All medications need to have the correct pharmacy bottles and labels with the person’s name.

Take steps to prevent diarrhea

People taking long flights could consider taking antidiarrheal medications before traveling. However, doctors do not recommend this if the individual is experiencing an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flare-up.

Carry medical information

People should carry their doctor’s contact information with them, as well as a list of their current medications and dosages.

Proper preparation can help people living with UC feel less stressed about any upcoming travel.

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

  • Talk with a doctor: Individuals can discuss travel plans with their doctor, as traveling is more doable when UC is well-managed. A doctor can also help arrange medications at the individual’s destination, recommend appropriate medical care, and help with emergency consultations if a local doctor is unavailable.
  • Speak with any travel partners: People can discuss their condition with any travel partners. People then understand sudden needs to find a bathroom and can help in case of emergency.
  • Avoid trigger foods: Individuals with UC, particularly those with a stoma, should avoid food and drinks that cause excessive gas or digestive upset directly before traveling. The pressurized air in the cabin can expand gas in the body, and excessive gas can cause stoma bags to expand, potentially causing difficulties.

Even individuals with well-managed 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:

  • Perforated colon: This is when a hole develops in the bowel. Although the main symptoms are abdominal pain and tenderness, people may also experience fever, nausea, vomiting, and chills.
  • Fulminant colitis: This rare condition occurs when severe inflammation affects the colon. The symptoms includeTrusted Source severe pain, bleeding, and having more than 10 bowel movements a day.
  • Toxic megacolon: In people with this condition, the colon enlarges but cannot contract, causing a severe buildup of gas. The symptoms include pain and swelling, fever, a rapid heart rate, and frequent and sometimes bloody diarrhea.
  • DVT: People with IBD are two to three times more likely to experience DVT. The symptoms includeTrusted Source swelling, pain, and tenderness in a limb. Although DVT is rare, it can be fatal.

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, it is important to be aware that symptoms may worsen during or after a flight. However, with adequate preparation, many people with UC can enjoy travel while minimizing the effects on their condition.