Understanding Flares: What They Are, Why They Happen, and How Biologics Help

If you live with a chronic illness like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), you’ve probably experienced a “flare-up”, sometimes called a flare.

These episodes can feel like a sudden storm in your body, bringing back symptoms that had calmed down or existing ones worse.

But what exactly is a flare? Why do they happen? And is there anything you can do to prevent them or reduce their impact?

Let’s break it all down and explore how biologic therapies are helping many people like you live with fewer, milder flares.

What Is a Flare-Up?

A flare is a period when your symptoms suddenly get worse after a time of relative stability.

For example:

• If you have RA, a flare might mean sudden joint swelling, stiffness, and fatigue.
• With MS, it could be a return of vision issues, muscle weakness, or coordination problems.
• In IBD, you might experience an increase in abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bowel movement urgency.

Flares can last for days, weeks, or even longer, and their severity can vary. One day might bring mild discomfort, while another could knock you off your feet.

While symptoms may differ, there is a commonality: flares are frustrating, unpredictable, and exhausting, both physically and emotionally.

What Causes Flares?

Flares don’t always have a clear cause, but some common triggers include:

• Infections (like the flu or a cold)
• Stress, whether emotional or physical
• Skipping medications or changes in dosage
• Hormonal shifts
• Poor sleep or fatigue
• Dietary triggers (especially in conditions like IBD)
• Extreme weather or temperature changes

Every person is different, so your flare triggers might not be the same as someone else’s. Keeping a symptom journal can help you identify patterns.

How to Monitor and Manage Flares

The more you understand your body’s warning signs, the more prepared you’ll be to respond to a flare early. Pay attention to the following:

• New or worsening symptoms.
• Low-grade fevers.
• Unusual fatigue.
• Changes in appetite or digestion.
• Trouble sleeping or thinking clearly.

Talk to your doctor about creating a flare action plan. This may include temporary medication adjustments, rest recommendations, or other steps to manage your symptoms effectively.

The best thing you can do is never to ignore the early stages of a flare or try to push through it. Your body is sending you a message, and it’s okay to slow down, seek help, and take care of yourself.

How Biologics Can Help

Now, for some good news!

Biologic therapies have been game changers for many people with chronic autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

These advanced medications are made from living cells. They’re designed to target specific parts of the immune system that fuel inflammation.

Unlike traditional treatments that affect the entire immune response, biologics work in a more focused way.

By doing so, biologics can:

• Reduce the frequency of flares.
• Lessen the severity of symptoms during a flare.
• Protect your body from long-term damage caused by chronic inflammation

For example:

• In RA, biologics can reduce joint inflammation and prevent erosion.
• In MS, they may slow disease progression and reduce the frequency of relapses.
• In IBD, biologics help maintain remission and promote intestinal healing.

Biologics are typically administered by injection or infusion, and in many cases, your doctor may offer in-office biologic therapy, making it more accessible and less intimidating for you.

Only your doctor can prescribe these medications, and they will help you determine which option is best for you and monitor its effectiveness over time.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Living with a chronic illness means living with ups and downs,  but you don’t have to feel powerless. Understanding your flares, identifying your triggers, and working with your healthcare team can make a real difference.

And if flares are still taking a toll on your quality of life, it may be time to explore biologic therapy. These treatments aren’t a cure, but they are helping more and more people gain control over their condition and feel like themselves again.

You deserve relief, support, and a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

So, take the first step and talk to your doctor about whether biologics are right for you, and don’t hesitate to ask questions and advocate for your needs.