Gastroenterologists treat inflammation and ulcers caused by Ulcerative Colitis (UC), an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, it's essential to remember that UC is often associated with complications in other body parts.

Ulcerative Colitis is challenging to diagnose because its symptoms outside the intestines can be more severe than those in the bowels. They are also prevalent, appearing in nearly half of UC patients and more often affecting women. 

It's unclear why UC complications develop beyond the intestines, but they may be due to genetic predisposition, an irregular immune response, or changes to the gut microbiome. The conditions listed below are commonly linked to IBD (ulcerative colitis).

Arthritis

Arthritis, or inflammation of the joints, is one of the most prevalent UC side effects outside the bowel tract. Arthritis affects nearly 25 to 30 percent of people with IBD, including young and old patients. Peripheral arthritis, characterized by mild joint discomfort and swelling coupled with some loss of mobility, affects about 4% of individuals with IBD.

Anti-inflammatory medications and range-of-motion exercises can help to reduce joint inflammation and pain.

Skin Disorders

Approximately 5% of people with IBD also suffer from a skin disorder. Canker sores in the mouth, skin tags, and tender red bumps on the shins, ankles, and arms are commonly associated with IBD. Joint pain doesn't usually follow UC; however, pyoderma gangrenosum — the skin lesions associated with UC — can be challenging to treat.

Antibiotics, ointments, warm baths, and surgery are used for skin problems linked to IBD.

Eye Disorders

Intestinal Bleeding affects approximately 5% of people with IBD. The most common types are episcleritis and scleritis, which accompany a UC flare. Uveitis, a form of eye inflammation associated with UC, is one of the extraintestinal complications that can occur. Left unchecked, it has the potential to develop into glaucoma and blindness.

Eye drops containing corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to help manage these UC-related issues and reduce inflammation in the eyes.

Bone Loss

Common UC complications that can have various causes include:

  • Osteoporosis (bone loss)
  • Osteopenia (low bone density)

There are three primary causes of bone loss:

  • 1. Inflammation in the body that disrupts bone metabolism
  • 2. A side effect of certain medications used in treatment (particularly steroids)
  • 3. Vitamin D deficiency

Crohn's disease is associated with an increased risk of bone loss. Lifestyle choices, such as frequent weight-bearing activity and vitamin D supplements, can help prevent and treat bone loss and prescription drugs that boost bone strength and density. Customize your UC treatment plan to safeguard your bones.

Liver Disease

UC patients are three times more likely to suffer bile duct scarring (primary sclerosing cholangitis). There is no cure for primary sclerosing cholangitis or fatty liver disease, but shedding pounds usually improves the symptoms of fatty liver disease.

Complication Reduction

Both surveillance and early intervention of symptoms are vital to reducing potential complications and promoting positive outcomes. Effective management also requires proper nutrition and stress reduction, though it's important to remember that neither emotional nor dietary stress causes the disease. If you and your doctor have a plan for treating flares, part of that should be avoiding steroids whenever possible.

While the cure for UC has yet to be discovered, some side effects may entirely vanish when the condition is treated correctly—working with your physician and other members of your healthcare team to achieve the best possible management of the illness as soon as feasible.

Digestive Health Partners Can Help With IBD Types 

We encourage you to contact us and set up an appointment to help diagnose and help you find the best treatment plan for managing your IBD.