Differentiate a cold from a flare?

[Locke]

differentiate a cold from a flare?

Right now I am taking NO medicine for my chron's because a few weeks ago a blood test showed "elevated liver enzymes" and my Dr. told me to stop the Asacol because it can hurt the liver.

Anyway, right now I have a fever, body aches, sore throat, and sinus problems. Normally, I would call that "a cold." But after reading this forum, I see people who say that is an indication of a flare. I have also had canker sores and itchy skin at various times in the past, but I always assumed cankers were random and skin problems are normal in winter when the air is too dry.

Reading through this forum, though, I see that flares, if not treated, can lead to fistulas (whatever that is) which require surgery! How can I tell if this is just a cold or if need to go to the hospital to get treated for a flare? Before finding this forum, I thought a flare was when you have persistent diarrhea, which I definitely don't have (more like the opposite).

Also, if just one trip to the bathroom seems like D, but the rest are normal, is that a flare or is that just Taco Bell syndrome? Is a flare necessarily characterized by D several days in a row?

I feel for you guys who needed surgery or had to take 'roids that changed your face/body... but I really want to make sure that if my Chron's becomes active, I get it treated IMMEDIATELY so that I don't have to join you!

Thanks for any insight, guys.

 

[Guest]

it sounds like a typical cold/flu to me. if it started off like a virus ie headache/sore throat, then developed into sneezing & catarrh, i would be even more inclined to say so. particularly at this time of year.

i would imagine that although a flare can bring on other symptoms, you would be experiencing some changes with your stomach and bowel habits at least if that was the cause, pain, diahroea.. etc.

i'd see how it goes over the next couple of days, if the sneezing & aching joints symptoms subside, and you begin to perk up - i'd just put it down to the virus's that are lurking in the air just now. if not, then maybe a phone call to your consultant's department might an idea.

 

[Kev]

I agree with dingbat. Altho the symptoms you described could be early warning signs of a downturn, or a flare, typically a 'flare' increases... your symptoms would be progressively getting worse.. Pain levels would increase, energy levels go down, bathroom trips increase, and the nature of your (WARNING! UCKY TALK!!) stool would deteriorate. Mind you, these things you've spotted could be UC, CC or CD connected... associated with disease but not necessarily signs it was getting worse. To all practical purposes, each and every thing you described could be a simple cold, allergy, or sinus infection. It doesn't mean you ignore them... as an un-related illness like the cold or flu is harder on someone already suffering/diagnosed with a lifetime chronic illness. Just keep an eye on them... no need to rush off to the ER just cause you have them now.... After all, going to a dr's office, clinic or emergency room when you don't really need to just exposes you to a lot of 'nasty' secondary bugs out there. Don't martyr yourself, just try to be safe, realistic and keep your spirits up, thinking positive thoughts. Next time you do see a doctor, for a regular appointment OR because a 'flare' forces you there, bring a list of the symptoms you mentioned, and discuss them with the doc. Even if they resolve before you see him/her. Why? Most likely, aside from discussing them with you, your doc will probably note them in your chart. He/she can use their experience and knowledge to judge into which category these symptoms actually fall, OK? At least, that's how I'd handle it if it were me.