Can I still play sport?

Having Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis doesn’t mean you have to give up the sports you love. You might need to make a few changes along the way, but there are lots of ways to stay active, have fun and be part of a team while living with IBD.

You might sometimes feel tired, have tummy pain or need to use the toilet urgently. You might also have days when you feel great and can do everything you enjoy.

Everyone’s experience with IBD is different, so it’s important to listen to your body and work out what works best for you.

Let’s look at how you can keep playing sport while looking after yourself.

⚽ Can I still play sport with IBD?

Yes! Many kids with IBD enjoy sports and physical activities, including swimming, soccer, basketball, dancing, cycling and running.

Being active can help you build strength, improve your fitness, spend time with friends and have fun.

You don’t have to be the best player on the team or compete at a high level. The most important thing is finding an activity you enjoy.

Some days, you might have lots of energy and feel ready to play. On other days, you might need to take it easier. Both are okay.

💙 What if I feel tired?

Fatigue is common for people living with IBD. It can make sport feel harder, even when you really want to play.

If you’re feeling tired, you could:

• Take breaks when you need them.

• Start with a shorter training session.

• Choose a lighter activity on days when your energy is low.

• Let your coach know if you’re struggling.

• Make sure you get enough rest and sleep.

If you’re feeling unusually tired or your fatigue is stopping you from doing the things you enjoy, tell your parent or carer. Your IBD team can help check whether something, such as inflammation or low iron, might be contributing.

Remember, taking a break doesn’t mean you’re giving up. It means you’re looking after yourself.

🚽 What about needing the toilet?

One of the trickiest parts of playing sport with IBD can be worrying about needing the toilet urgently.

You might feel nervous about being far away from a bathroom, especially during a game or competition.

Here are some things that might help:

• Find the toilets first. When you arrive at training or a competition, check where the nearest toilets are.

• Talk to your coach. If you feel comfortable, explain that you have a health condition that sometimes means you need the toilet quickly.

• Have a plan. Ask whether you can leave the field, court or pool when you need to.

• Pack what you need. You might want to bring spare underwear, wipes and a change of clothes.

• Don't ignore the urge. If you need to go, let someone know and use the toilet rather than trying to hold on.

You don't have to tell your whole team about your IBD. You can choose to tell just your coach or another trusted adult.

💧 Why is drinking water important?

When you exercise, you lose water through sweat. If you also have diarrhoea, you can lose even more fluid.

Drinking enough water is especially important when you have IBD.

Try to:

• Drink water before, during and after exercise.

• Take a water bottle to training and competitions.

• Drink more when it's hot or you're sweating a lot.

• Tell an adult if you're feeling dizzy, unusually weak or very thirsty.

If you have frequent diarrhoea or are losing a lot of fluid, you might need an oral rehydration solution rather than water alone. Ask your parent or carer and IBD team what is best for you.

💊 Do my medicines affect playing sport?

Some IBD medicines can affect how you feel, while others help control inflammation so you can get back to doing the things you enjoy.

It's important to keep taking your medicines as prescribed, even when you're feeling well. Don't skip a dose because you have a game or competition.

If you notice that your medicine makes you feel unwell, tired or dizzy, tell your parent or carer and your IBD team.

They can help you work out what's happening and whether anything needs to change.

🌧️ What if I'm having a flare?

During a flare, you might have more tummy pain, diarrhoea, fatigue or other symptoms.

You might feel frustrated if you have to miss training or sit out a game, especially when your friends are playing.

But resting when you're unwell is an important part of looking after yourself.

During a flare, you may need to:

• Take a break from intense exercise.

• Choose gentle activities if you feel up to them.

• Rest when you're tired.

• Drink enough fluids.

• Follow the advice from your IBD team.

If your symptoms are getting worse, you have significant pain or you're struggling to keep fluids down, tell your parent or carer and contact your healthcare team.

Don't feel pressured to play through symptoms just because your team needs you. Your health comes first, and you can return to sport when you're ready.

🏆 What if I have a big game or competition?

It can be frustrating when IBD gets in the way of something you've been looking forward to.

You might worry about needing the toilet halfway through a race, feeling tired during a match or having to pull out at the last minute.

Planning ahead can help you feel more confident.

Before a competition, you could:

• Check where the toilets are.

• Pack water, snacks that suit your needs and any supplies you might need.

• Talk to your parent or carer about how you're feeling.

• Make a plan with your coach for toilet breaks or sitting out if necessary.

• Get enough rest the night before.

If you're feeling unwell on the day, talk with your parent or carer about whether it's safe to participate. You don't have to push yourself just because it's an important event.

And remember, missing one game doesn't make you a bad teammate. There will be other opportunities to play.

🗣️ Should I tell my coach about my IBD?

You don't have to tell everyone about your health, but having a trusted adult at sport who understands your needs can make things easier.

You could tell your coach that you sometimes need urgent toilet breaks, may need extra rest or might occasionally miss training when you're unwell.

You can keep your explanation simple.

For example, you could say:

“I have a health condition that sometimes affects my stomach and energy levels. I might need to use the toilet quickly or take a break sometimes.”

Your parent or carer can help you decide what to share and how to explain it.

A supportive coach should take your needs seriously and help you participate as safely and comfortably as possible.

❤️ What if I can't play as much as I used to?

It can be hard when your body doesn't let you do everything you want to do.

You might need to miss training, reduce how much you play or take a break from your favourite sport while you're unwell.

It's okay to feel disappointed. You don't have to pretend that it's easy.

Try to remember that your ability to play sport doesn't determine your worth. You're still a great teammate, friend and person, even when you need to sit on the sidelines.

You might also discover new activities that suit how you're feeling. Some days, that could mean a full training session. Other days, it might mean a gentle walk or cheering on your team.

If you have ongoing symptoms that make it difficult to exercise, talk to your IBD team about what might help.

🌟 Keep moving at your own pace

Having IBD doesn't mean you have to give up sport or the activities you love.

You might need to plan ahead, take breaks or change your routine sometimes, but you can still find ways to be active and enjoy being part of a team.

Listen to your body, ask for help when you need it and remember that resting is part of being a good sport, too.

Most importantly, choose activities that make you happy. You deserve to have fun, make memories and enjoy being active, whatever your IBD journey looks like. 💙