Posted 6/10/2013 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
If symptoms ramp up alot almost (or you suddenly exit remission), and the pain and possible dehydration is severe, the ER is reasonable. They will give some pain relief, and sell you a very expensive bag of IV saline.
Calling GI or GP (depending on relationships) for some phone-in prescription and 1st available visit is also very reasonable - but you need to be established with a practice.
Generally the GI will do labs to see if you picked up c-diff or have bled so much you are anemic. Otherwise they will prescribe meds that take a while to work. Pres id fastest, 5-asa take longer.
So what is best depends on a lot of factors. Even the term "flare" covers a range of experience.