Ulcerative Colitis: Can Hot Tubs Ease Abdominal Pain?

One of the problems of ulcerative colitis is the almost unbearable abdominal pain and cramping that accompany a flare up. As with most symptoms of ulcerative colitis, there is no sure fire way to deal with the pain and cramping. For some sufferers, dealing with the pain is as simple as using a deep breathing technique.

In my case, one of the best ways to cope with my ulcerative colitis stomach pain and cramping is with wet heat. I can sit in a tub of warm water, use a damp towel under a heating pad or get into a hot tub.

A hot tub is by far the best way for me to alleviate the stomach cramps and pain. In a bathtub, my stomach is sometimes not completely under the water but, in a hot tub, the water is deep enough so that I can get in a comfortable position and still have my stomach under the warm water.

If I am able to turn on the jets and let them hit my stomach, the relief that I feel is even better. It is like getting a stomach massage along with the wet heat that helps my pain and cramping.

I think the reason that the hot tub helps me so much is that it helps me to relax my stomach muscles. I have even tried doing some stomach stretches in the hot tub. That seemed to stop my cramps and pain even longer than just a soak in the hot tub.

One problem that I have run into is that if you have to use a public hot tub, it is very embarrassing if you have an accident. You can help to avoid this problem by purchasing a hot tub for your home. If that is too expensive, there are some jets that you can buy to put into the bath tub. Another option is to buy a removable shower head that you can spray directly on your stomach.

A word of caution about using a hot tub to help with your abdominal pain and cramping, it is important to pay attention to how your body is reacting to the hot water. Some medications will make you more susceptible to problems, such as fainting, when you get overheated.