According to recent data, millions of people are dealing with digestive disorders such as ulcerative colitis. What’s even more important to note is that these disorders can affect more than your stomach. If you’re dealing with ulcerative colitis, these are a few of the other issues that you might need to look out for.
Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease that affects the digestive system. However, that also means it can cause other chronic conditions that might have symptoms that are worse than the disorder. Here are some of the possible ones you need to know.
1. Osteoporosis
People with ulcerative colitis are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis because of the prolonged use of corticosteroids. These corticosteroids are used to combat the inflammation that’s caused by the disease. However, the medication leeches calcium from the bones making them weaker. With this condition, you may experience fractures more easily.
2. Toxic Megacolon
In this condition, parts of the colon become enlarged and swollen. The affected area can then rupture, spreading infection through the blood. The first signs of toxic megacolon include stomach pain and a high fever.
3. Poor Growth And Development
This complication mainly affects younger people who have not yet finished developing. Both the disease and some of its treatments can interfere with how well children grow, The main evidence that this is happening is that the child misses important developmental markers. That’s why it’s important to have regular assessments.
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4. Skin Disorders
Since ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease, it shouldn’t be surprising that its inflammatory effects aren’t limited to the digestive system. When it comes to the skin, inflammation can result in canker sores in the mouth, skin tags, red bumps on the shins, ankles, and arms, and lesions that can become painful.
5. Arthritis
When the joints are affected by the disease’s inflammation, you’re likely to experience arthritis. The pain from this can range from mild to severe. As a result, you may only have a little stiffness in the joints or so debilitating that you need medical intervention.
6. Vision Issues
People with ulcerative colitis may experience inflammation in their eyes during a flare-up. These are known as episcleritis and scleritis. While these issues usually resolve after the flare-up passes, you can develop glaucoma over time. Typically, your doctor will prescribe
corticosteroid eye drops to help with this condition.
7. Liver Disease
In a small percentage of cases, people with ulcerative colitis develop scarring on their bile ducts. Known as primary sclerosing cholangitis, the illness can’t be cured but it can be managed. While it doesn’t present symptoms in the early stages, you should eventually notice unexplained weight loss, itchy skin, fatigue, fever, and jaundice.
8. Bowel Cancer
Ulcerative colitis comes with an increased risk of developing bowel cancer. This is especially true if you have a severe form of the disease. While it can take some time for you to get this form of cancer, it usually occurs within 10 years of being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. The typical symptoms of bowel cancer include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the stools.
9. Bleeding Problems
Ulcerative colitis can cause significant bleeding in the digestive system, which is visible through blood in the stools. In some cases, the disease also increases the risk of blood clots in the veins and arteries. Signs of blood clots include a sudden, cramping pain in the leg or arm as well as breathlessness or sharp chest pain.
RELATED: How To Manage Ulcerative Colitis
All of the potential complications from ulcerative colitis are enough for you to talk to your doctor. As soon as you see the symptoms, you need to let them know so they can put you on a treatment program.
In most cases, getting started early is the best way to prevent the condition from worsening. Typically, your doctor will focus on reducing your flare-ups but it might also mean changing your current medication.
Anyone can develop complications from ulcerative colitis and it’s not unusual to have more than one.
The best approach is to know which symptoms deserve your attention and talk to your doctor quickly. Once you stick to the regimen that you’re given, it should be easier to manage your condition.
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