Your Crohn’s Flare Emergency Kit

Irritation “down there” is a thing, and when you’re going 12 times a day (common during a flare), your private areas are inflamed and raw. When you to go to the bathroom, use your own moist toilettes or wipes instead of the scratchy office toilet paper. We like these Cottonelle FreshCare Flushable Wipes, which are not only soft, but made of 100% biodegradable material. If you don’t have cleaning wipes, travel-size napkins can do in a pinch, says Mona Rezapour, M.D., a gastroenterologist at UCLA Health West Hills in Los Angeles. They can be thicker and less irritating than public-restroom toilet paper.

If you’re having leakage, wearing panty liners, like Always Daily Wrapped Liners, can protect your clothing and minimize odor. They’re also thin (and discreet) enough to be stashed in your purse or bag. For heavier accidents, you may want to opt for something more protective, like Depend underwear. You may also want to pack a change of underwear or an extra outfit in case you need to make a quick wardrobe change, says Jessica Philpott, M.D., Ph.D., a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH.

If your office is like most offices, it’s probably not exactly well-stocked with cleaning products. So if an accident happens, you’ll most likely need to have your own supplies. Some good items to keep on hand include garbage bags (which can come in handy for storing or disposing of soiled clothing) and hand sanitizer, Dr. Rezapour says. Also, consider having bleach wipes to clean any messes that occur in the stall or on the toilet seat.

Symptoms like diarrhea and urgency can strike at any time—even if that time is just before an important presentation or meeting. In that case, you may want to stash an anti-diarrheal medication like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol in your emergency bag, Dr. Rezapour says. Both of these medications can help your body better absorb fluids and electrolytes, which makes the stools less watery and reduces the symptoms of diarrhea. Just be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any medications.

Even if your symptoms are in remission, you may still need to take an over-the-counter pain medication for other aches and pains (think: headaches, menstrual cramps, or joint pain). The problem: Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, or aspirin, which work by blocking inflammation, can damage the GI tract and be harmful for people with Crohn’s. If you need to use a pain reliever, reach for acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead. It works differently from NSAIDs—i.e., by changing the way the body senses pain, rather than lowering inflammation levels—and doesn’t irritate the stomach like NSAIDs.

Stress can play a big role in triggering a Crohn’s flare (work meetings and deadlines aren’t exactly relaxing activities). “Make sure to always carry your headphones in your bag for times you need to listen to that playlist that calms your mind,” Dr. Rezapour says. Mindfulness meditation apps, like Headspace and Calm, are particularly good at helping people de-stress, she says. Both offer guided meditation sessions by teachers who can explain relaxation and breathing techniques.

Everyone needs to drink enough fluids, but if you have Crohn’s, you may need to pay even more attention to your hydration levels—especially if you’re in a flare. Diarrhea, in particular, can cause dehydration, which can rob your body of not only fluid, but also nutrients and electrolytes like sodium and potassium. If you sometimes forget to drink enough water at the office, try bringing a motivational water bottle with you. We like this BuildLife Half Gallon Water Bottle, which comes with a schedule—“Just drink it! 9:00 am”—on the side.

If you’re having trouble holding onto liquids or are dehydrated, says Dr. Philpott, you may need to replenish your fluids with an oral rehydration solution, which contains electrolytes like sodium and potassium. “Sports drinks are okay for the average person, but they can be high in sugar, and in some people with Crohn’s, can provoke diarrhea,” she says. These Pedialyte Powder Packs (not just for kids!) are available in packets, so they’re convenient to take with you on the go.

Urgency can strike anywhere, including when you’re out in public. That’s why many people with IBD choose to carry the “I Can’t Wait” card, from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. The card has a written explanation of why you, as someone who has inflammatory bowel disease, need access to a bathroom right away (even if that bathroom is for employees only). About 18 states, including New York and Texas, have passed The Restroom Access Act, a law that mandates access to employee-only bathrooms for people who have certain medical conditions.

No one wants to think about an emergency, but just about everyone should plan for one. If you have Crohn’s, and you suddenly become dehydrated or need to go to the hospital, it’s a good idea to carry a medical card in your purse or wallet. “It summarizes a lot of things so you don’t have to repeat yourself,” Dr. Philpott says. Information to list on the card should include the names and phone numbers of your doctors, your current medications, and any relevant information about your Crohn’s.