Ulcerative colitis pain relief

Cramping can accompany active inflammation, urgency, gas or changes in bowel movements. [Abdominal Pain](/symptoms/abdominal-pain/) may also have a cause outside ulcerative colitis, so its location, severity and pattern matter. Pain relief is not the same as treating the inflammation: a medicine that dulls discomfort may leave the underlying problem unchanged.

Keep a record of pain, stools, bleeding, fever, meals and medicines. This helps a clinician decide whether your ulcerative colitis treatment needs review or whether another assessment is needed.

Rest, use gentle warmth if it feels comfortable, and drink regularly when you have [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/). Take bowel medicines exactly as prescribed. Check with a pharmacist or doctor before taking an over-the-counter painkiller; some anti-inflammatory painkillers can worsen bowel symptoms or bleeding risk. Do not use leftover antibiotics or someone else’s medicine.

Book a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) when pain is new, persistent, disrupting sleep, or accompanied by a change in bowel pattern. Bring the names and doses of everything you take.

Seek urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening pain, a swollen or hard abdomen, repeated vomiting, faintness, heavy rectal bleeding, inability to pass stool or gas, or fever with a marked deterioration. Do not wait for a pain medicine to work when these signs occur. Urgent assessment is needed to check for complications and dehydration.

Ask: What is most likely causing this pain? Which pain reliever is suitable with my medicines? Does my bowel treatment need changing? How should I manage pain during diarrhoea? Which symptoms require emergency care?