Managing Ibd Flares Caused By Back To School Stress
- Managing IBD Flares Caused By Back To School Stress
Its that time of year again. Students are back in school and have left the fun of summer behind. Some students look forward to getting back into the classroom and spending time with their friends. They face the academic challenge of the next year with enthusiasm.
Other students have a different anticipation level. Instead of focusing on the positive aspects of another year of school, they worry about what might go wrong. They worry about grades or social issues. Students have a lot more stress today than their parents did in the past. Its a constant struggle to have the best grades, wear the right clothes, and be the most popular. For kids with inflammatory bowel disease , the stress of going back to school could be enough to trigger IBD symptoms.
Through A Mcmaster University Led Study New Evidence Showing A Correlation Between Psychological Stress And Crohns Disease Flare
In a study on mice, evidence to show that stress hormones suppressed what is known as the innate immune system that protects the gut from invasive Enterobacteriaceae, a group of bacteria that has been linked to Crohns disease.
Crohns disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation, ulcers and scarring in the digestive system, resulting in debilitating pain leaving the body open to a number of other infections and health issues. Crohns symptoms can include, stomach cramps and pain, constipation, diarrhea, urgent need for the toilet, fever, lack of appetite and so much more.
With no current cure for Crohns disease, there is only treatment to control or reduce the disease, drugs and steroids are common options however surgery is sometimes required to control the symptoms.
The exact cause of Crohns is still unknown, however this recent research from McMaster University could prove invaluable in the future control and understanding of Crohns disease.
Stress And Ulcerative Colitis
Experts havenât found an exact link. But they have some theories about the connection between the two.
Inflammation. Your body goes into fight-or-flight mode when stressed. That triggers the release of lots of chemicals, including cytokines. Those are molecules that turn on your immune system and lead to inflammation. People with UC might be more sensitive to this process.
Brain-gut axis. Stress changes the signals that travel between your brain and gut. This can cause all kinds of digestion problems, even in people who donât have UC. These changes are also linked to irritable bowel syndrome , food allergies, and heartburn.
Other reasons. Research shows stress might:
- Damage the lining of your gut
- Disturb gut bacteria
- Change how fast or slow your digestive muscles work
- Make your gut more sensitive to pain
Also Check: Can You Get Chest Pain From Stress
What Triggers A Crohn’s Flare
Crohn’s flare-ups occur when symptoms reappear. Some factors that may trigger a flare-up include:
- Missing or mismanaging medication
- Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , like aspirin and ibuprofen
- Stress
- Smoking
- Taking antibiotics, which can cause diarrhea and inflammation
Eating specific foods do not cause flare-ups, but they can make them worse if they irritate the digestive system.
Take Care Of Your Mental Health
No matter how well you plan and organize, sometimes you wont feel your best emotionally. These steps may help:
Evaluate work or school. Crohnâs disease shouldnt stop you from getting an education or having a career. But take precautions to protect your physical and mental health. You may need to make some changes if you have:
- Supervisors or teachers who donât support you
- Projects or a schedule that your body canât handle
- Lots of stress
- A schedule thatâs not flexible enough
Add things youâre excited about to your calendar. In your daily plan, include activities that bring you joy. Just make sure they fit your energy level. They could be as simple as listening to an album you love or reading a magazine.
Put your best foot forward. Some people with Crohns disease struggle with body image. You might feel bad about weight changes, surgery scars, or a colostomy bag. It helps to stay well-groomed and wear clothes that boost your confidence.
De-stress. When you feel tension building up, try strategies like these to release it:
Read Also: How To Relax Your Mind From Stress
How Can I Help My Child
Parents can help their children reduce the stress that many students feel in school. They can help reduce the risk of triggering IBD symptoms and a number of other mental and physical health issues caused by stress including depression and anxiety. It is very important, in managing a child or teen with IBD, to make sure that all medications are taken as directed and follow-up doctors appointments are made.
One of the biggest worries students have is not knowing what to expect. If they will be attending a new school, parents can arrange to visit the school with their child ahead of time. It helps eliminate some of the fear of the unknown before getting thrown into the mix. Staying involved with the school helps parents stay in touch with what their children are doing. They will have more opportunities to communicate with teachers, administration, and students. This makes it easier for parents to learn about minor issues and intervene before they turn into big problems.
Parents can also talk with their kids and let them know they are supportive of their efforts. Demanding perfect grades and making them study without any recreation will compound the problem. Instead, parents should ask them how their classes are going and encourage them to discuss any problems they are having. They can then look for solutions together. Kids who know they can open up to their parents are less likely to get stressed out.
Know The Causes Of Crohns Flare
Though there are several theories relating to the cause of Crohn`s disease, yet none of them have been proven yet. It is still to be ascertained as to what really causes this disease. According to scientists and researchers till now, they believe that Crohn`s disease is a result of combination of three different factors of the body which are problems of immune system, genetics problem and environmental factors. When the symptoms of the disease are seen more prominently, it is called a flare-up.
A Crohns flare-up may be triggered due to certain factors. Knowing about the common mistakes that can cause Crohns flare-up can help in controlling them and seeing timely medical advice. Some of the causes of Crohns flare-up include the following factors
Immune System
Somehow, it is seen that the immune system of those suffering from Crohn`s disease reacts inappropriately. It is said that the immune system may be reacting to the harmful microbes of Crohn`s by mistake and hence are continuously active. Over time this chronic inflammation of digestive system results in ulcers and other injuries to intestine. This condition is also seen to be associated with other auto-immune conditions.
Genes
Genetics is another cause of Crohn`s disease since brothers and sisters from parents suffering from IBD are more likely to suffer from Crohn`s disease.
Environmental Factors
Scientists believe that environmental factors play a crucial role in triggering Crohn`s disease.
Diet
Also Check: How To Manage Stress During Pregnancy
Common Mistakes That Lead To Crohn`s Flare
Crohns disease is an inflammatory bowel disease in which certain parts of the digestive tract swell, which leads to deep sores in the intestine called ulcers. Crohn`s disease usually is diagnosed in last part of small intestine and also the first part of large intestine, but it can develop anywhere in the digestive tract region of the body ranging from mouth to anus.
Alcohol And Ibd Medication
Alcohol may also worsen Crohns disease by interfering with the medications used to treat Crohns disease, especially Flagyl and other antibiotics.
Consult with your gastroenterologist or health care team on the safety of alcohol use with your medications to prevent potential harmful reactions and worsening of symptoms.
You May Like: How Does Stress Affect Your Period
Stress: Pathways And Pathophysiology
More than 80 years ago, Hungarian endocrinologist Hans Hugo Bruno Selye first defined the medical term stress as the physiological adaptive responses of organisms to adverse threats , which are endogenous or exogenous, psychological or physical, real or perceived . To maintain homeostasis under threat, organisms have evolved an extremely complex system, called the stress system, which involves physiological and behavioral adaptations via appropriate central and peripheral neuroendocrine responses. When exposed to long-term or severe stress, the organisms may reach a state called cacostasis, in which many vital physiological functions are impaired, and may develop many acute and chronic diseases . Stress-induced disorders occur in multiple systems throughout the body, among which the gastrointestinal tract is a sensitive system.
When the brain receives stress input, multiple pathways containing the autonomic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are activated . Stress from different sources results in modifications of the brain-gut axis, which eventually leads to the progression of a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders. The frequently involved diseases include IBD, irritable bowel syndrome , peptic ulcers, food antigen allergic reactions, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The potential mechanisms are summarized in the following sections .
Understanding Stress And Anxiety In Ibd
Video Length1:25
Understanding Stress and Anxiety in IBD While stress and anxiety has not been shown to cause Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, they can certainly have an impact on your disease. Learn more!
- Transcript
|
|
|
|
|
Recommended Reading: Can You Sue Someone For Stress
Managing Depression At Home
There are several things you can do at home to cope with negative feelings while you are getting treatment for depression.
Remember that feeling better takes time, and that your mood will likely improve gradually, not immediately. These tips have been adapted from the National Institute of Mental Health booklet on depression:
-
Set realistic goals, keeping your depression in mind, and take on a reasonable amount of responsibility in your daily life.
-
Set your priorities and break big tasks into smaller ones, doing the best you can to tackle them.
-
Make a point to spend time around other people. Confiding in a trusted friend or family member usually feels better than being alone and secretive.
-
Participate in activities that may make you feel better, such as mild exercise, seeing a movie, watching a sporting event, or participating in religious or social events.
-
Postpone major life decisions until your depression has lifted. These decisions may include changing jobs, getting married, or filing for divorce. Discuss important decisions with trusted friends or family members who may have a more objective view of your situation.
-
Dont expect to snap out of it. Instead, expect to feel a little better each day.
-
Ask for and accept help from your family and friends.
-
Know that positive thinking will eventually replace negative thinking as your depression responds to treatment.
Also Check: How To Reduce Employee Stress
Managing Alcohol Consumption And Crohns Disease
Although alcohol can cause negative side effects and should typically be consumed only in moderation, your quality of life is important, too. If you do drink, you may find it helpful to keep a journal or log of how you feel afterward in terms of your Crohns symptoms. With this information, you and your doctor can make more informed decisions about whether alcohol is something you should eliminate as part of your treatment plan.
Don’t Miss: Does Stress Cause Shortness Of Breath
Crohns Disease And Stress
The Crohns & Colitis Foundation notes that stress and other strong emotions may impact symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease , including Crohns disease. Recent research has aimed to understand the biological connections between stress and chronic digestive diseases like Crohns disease. One hypothesis explores the association between psychological stress and inflammation in the gastrointestinal system, as well as the connection between the brain and the gut.
Psychological stress may disrupt the balance of the brain and the gut. This may lead to increased intestinal permeability, a symptom that occurs in Crohns disease. Researchers have observed a connection between stress and IBD flares, but little is known about what specific biological or genetic markers may indicate a higher likelihood of IBD or Crohns disease due to stress.
MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam members have discussed how experiencing stress can lead to flares and Crohns disease symptoms. Stress is an automatic flare-up factor, said one member. Another explained, Every time I get very stressed, I have diarrhea within a few hours.
Stress may affect both the onset of Crohns disease and the chronic recurrence of symptoms and flare-ups. Some studies have explored how early life stressors, ranging from childhood poverty and maltreatment to difficulties learning, contribute to inflammatory diseases like Crohns disease later in life.
Common Mistakes That Can Cause Crohns Flare
Crohn`s disease is a serious and chronic inflammatory disease of digestive tract of the body. The general symptoms of Crohn`s include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stools and considerable weight loss. Let us understand the possible causes and elaborates some of the common mistakes that can cause Crohns flare-up.
Read Also: What Is The Best Treatment For Anxiety And Stress
Crohns Symptoms: Identifying Your Triggers
Before you can avoid triggers, you must identify them. Because triggers can vary from person to person, the best strategy is to keep track of the circumstances surrounding your flare-ups. Answer these questions a doctor would ask:
- Are you taking ibuprofen, aspirin, or a similar medication?
- Were you recently on antibiotics?
- Did you recently have an infection?
- Have you traveled recently?
- Do you smoke?
- In the week before your flare-up, did you experience stress or anything unusual?
Another useful way to identify triggers is to keep a food journal. That way, you will know everything you ate within 24 hours of experiencing symptoms. Its probably not necessary to write down every bite, Sartor says, but it makes sense to get into the habit of listing the foods and beverages you consume each day, particularly ones that commonly trigger Crohns symptoms.
Understand The Role Of Fiber In Crohns Disease
Weve all heard how fiber is great for gastrointestinal health. But the role of fiber in Crohns disease is twofold, and you must understand it to prevent a flare up.Experts believe that getting around 20 grams of fiber daily can reduce your risk of experiencing a flare up considerably. However, once a flare up begins, taking fiber can actually be harmful for you. Thats because people with Crohns develop intestinal strictures, which are narrowed areas of your bowel.During a flare up, this narrowing is exacerbated due to swelling and inflammation. And a high-fiber diet may get obstructed because of a stricture, aggravating your symptoms.Avoid insoluble fiber even during a remission There are two types of fiber soluble and insoluble. Plant-based foods like fruits, veggies, beans, grains, and nuts are the best fiber source out there but almost all have both types of fiber.Insoluble fiber draws water in your gut and can lead to diarrhea, gas, cramps, and blockage. While you may need it if you suffer from constipation, reducing it otherwise is a good idea. You can try removing skins and peels of fruits and vegetables to reduce your consumption of insoluble fiber. Additionally, check the labels of any packaged foods you eat to find out their fiber composition.
Read Also: Can Stress Make You Physically Sick
Is Ibd Caused By Stress
No, there is no evidence that IBD is caused by stress. But living with a chronic illness can be stressful, and stress can make your child feel less well or even contribute to a flare-up. Thats why its best for your child to stay on her medical regimen even when shes feeling well, and anticipate and prepare for stressful situations.
Know Your Otc Options
Crohns flares can be painful, and you may be tempted to reach for the ibuprofen bottlebut that can worsen symptoms, says Dr. Horst. Make sure to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, Aleve, and Goodys powder, she says. Acetaminophen is a safer bet, but ask your doctor first, says Neilanjan Nandi, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. And speaking of meds, have antidiarrheal medicines like Imodium at the ready, too, he says.
Recommended Reading: Can Stress Cause Hair Loss
Read Also: Am I Stressed Or Anxious
Steer Clear Of Crohns Triggers
Crohns flare-ups can happen just about any time. But there are certain things called triggers that can supercharge inflammation and lead to a flare.
To be clear, triggers arent the cause of Crohns disease, which is a lifelong, chronic inflammatory condition. And steering clear of triggers wont cure you, but it can help you gain a little control over that dragon.
Here are some common Crohns triggers:
Managing Stress Could Help Calm A Raging Gut
Inflammatory bowel disease , which affects as many as 1 million Americans, refers to two chronic diseases that cause inflammation of the intestines: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Although stress does not cause IBD, it can aggravate IBD symptoms including abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhea and may be a primary reason for flare-ups, which occur when the disease intermittently becomes active. As reported in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, a new study finds that psychological factors like stress and going through major life events were more likely to cause flares than physical factors, such as infections or the use of aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs .
In the Canadian study, researchers surveyed known IBD sufferers every three months for a year. They tracked infections, the use of NSAIDs and antibiotics, major life events, mood, and stress levels. During the year, 174 participants ended up having flares, versus 209 whose IBD symptoms did not flare up. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of NSAID or antibiotic use, or the incidence of infections, but those who had flares experienced more stress, reported more major life events , or reported more periods of bad moods.
Treat yourself to a hand massageIn a study done in 2008, a five-minute hand rub was effective at lowering stress levels. You can teach a friend or partner how . Or do it for yourself if there’s no one around to lend a hand.
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Stress Related Belly Fat
