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Can working in the heat exacerbate UC?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/11/2015 11:14 AM (GMT -5)
So I have UC. Been in a flare about six months. I thought I was finally getting better but over the past few weeks I've slipped back to having pain and multiple BM's per day with a significant amount of blood. I work in Texas doing tree work and land clearing. It's very hard work and hot in the summer. I love it and it keeps me in shape but I'm beginning to wonder if this could make my UC worse? Just curious if there's any research to this. I know the exercise is good but the heat and sun all day is what I was curious about. Thanks
Posted 6/11/2015 11:24 AM (GMT -5)
You may get a lot of different answers. I'm feeling pretty good now but when I was worse I had a lot of trouble doing outside work in the heat and I think the main reason was I was drinking water by the gallon. I remember several times when I was mowing the lawn, drinking a lot, and having to run to the bathroom numerous times. In my case, I really think it was the drinking of a lot of water that was responsible but of course if you're working out in the heat you need to stay hydrated.
Posted 6/11/2015 11:55 AM (GMT -5)
As far as Im aware theres no research about heat and UC, but certainly any kind of stress you put on your body isint going to help. I remember my UC always seemed to get worse while i was working construction in the summer
Posted 6/11/2015 1:00 PM (GMT -5)
Hi, I have left sided UC and flare up in the heat. One doctor told me heat aggravates inflammatory illnesses.
Posted 6/11/2015 2:44 PM (GMT -5)
Exertion in heat can certainly exacerbate most conditions, but I wouldn't say it would outright cause a flare, but you're already in a flare.

Sun can bring out a herpes Simplex outbreak....but many forget there are many other factors involved rather than just "being in the heat".

Are you on meds...if so, which ones?

q
Posted 6/11/2015 6:23 PM (GMT -5)
The heat really bothers me, and it's because the constant diarrhea means dehydration and loss of electrolytes. During a flare your body leaks a lot of cellular fluid into the bowel, including protein (albumin). If the heat depletes your hydration then your bowels will also suffer from a sort of dryness that prevents them from clearing whatever's in there that needs clearing, and that could cause irritation.

For me, if I take something like immodium, I won't go to the bathroom but my bowels will still be filling with diarrhea. The inability to clear it causes irritation. I think heat does the same thing. Inflammation is hot, if you've ever touched a swollen part of the body. I think summer heat could aggravate that.
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