6 Items to Put in Your Ulcerative Colitis Emergency Kit

"Unfortunately, that kind of stress can often make the issue worse, which is why it's important to find ways to feel more in control,” he says. “Having an 'emergency kit' that you have close at hand is one strategy that can be helpful, even if you never have to use it."

Some people with UC might have several emergency kits like this, he says. For instance, you might keep one in the car, one at work, and one in your carry-on bag when you travel. Not only can it make an urgent situation easier to deal with, but it may also help you feel comforted and empowered, says Dr. Farhadi.

Here are five items to consider when putting your UC emergency kit together.

1. Disposable Pads or Undergarments

Because of this, having at least one disposable pad or protective undergarment that's designed for diarrhea is helpful, according to Adam Pont, MD, a gastroenterologist with the Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York City. "These can help with small accidents and make cleanup easier," he says.

2. Wet Wipes

3. Change of Clothes

A disposable pad or underwear may be handy in the short-term, but it's possible that an accident may have happened before you had a chance to grab one from your emergency kit. Because of that, having a change of clothes — particularly underwear — is a good idea, says Farhadi.

Be sure to swap these clothes out periodically to make sure they match the season you’re in. Only having pants in the middle of a humid August day would likely increase your discomfort, for example.

There's also specialized, non-disposable underwear designed for IBD and fecal incontinence. These high-absorbency briefs trap odors with a protective lining and can be washed and worn again. These can be useful to have in an emergency kit when you're in the midst of a flare or feel like one may be coming on, Farhadi says.

4. Plastic Bags

Dealing with soiled underwear and clothing requires delicate handling, so having plastic bags that seal or zip shut, rather than a flimsy grocery bag, can give you more confidence that you'll be able to transport those items safely, says Dr. Pont.

In addition to carrying individual plastic bags, you may want to pack your emergency supplies in their own waterproof bag, similar to what you might take camping, so it can be easily cleaned when necessary.

5. Barrier Cream

Anal pain and itching can become a concern, particularly when you’re dealing with frequent diarrhea, so having soothing cream or ointment handy can reduce irritation, says Pont. "Barrier creams are particularly useful, because they create a shield against moisture and bacteria," he says.

These products, which contain zinc oxide, are widely available and are often combined with soothing ingredients and vitamin E to minimize redness and discomfort and promote healing in sensitive tissues, Pont says.

6. Safe Snacks

An emergency kit doesn't have to be only for dealing with potential accidents. It can also contain other items you may need quickly, like shelf-stable snacks that can be eaten when you're traveling or aren’t sure if safe food options may be available.

In terms of what UC-friendly snacks to pick, choices can be highly individual, but gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-sugar options tend to be easier on digestion, says Adiana Castro, RDN, a registered dietitian specializing in gut health who owns Compass Nutrition in New York City.

The Takeaway

• Ulcerative colitis (UC) can cause bowel urgency, but having an emergency kit on hand can help you feel in control.
• Items in an emergency kit will vary from person to person, but usually include supplies such as a change of clothes, wet wipes, disposable undergarments or pads, and plastic bags.
• Including a shelf-stable snack option in your UC emergency kit can be helpful, especially if you're traveling and unsure of where to find safe food options.