Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an irritable bowel disease characterized by sores and inflammation of the colon and rectum. Ulcerative colitis causes a variety of symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, fatigue and loss of appetite. Additional health problems occur inside and outside of the gastrointestinal tract. The cause of extraintestinal issues are not understood but may be due to inflammation triggered by the immune system.
Skin Lesions
These conditions are fairly common with UC. Skin conditions include small red bumps, pus in the skin, fistulas, skin tags and mouth ulcers. Skin conditions seem to improve and regress along with intestinal inflammation.
Anemia
Anemia is broadly defined by an inadequate number of red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues. This can be a result of the bleeding caused by sores and inflammation in the colon. This blood loss can often lead to anemia.
Arthritis
Arthritis is the most common extraintestinal complication of UC. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America suggests arthritis affects one-quarter of those with irritable bowel disease.
Inflammation of the Eye
Pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity and redness are common complaints associated with eye inflammation. Most irritations of the eye can be treated. The cause of this irritation is thought to be from systemic inflammation, vitamin A deficiency or a side effect of drug therapy.
Liver Disease
Rarely, the liver is affected in people with UC. The first noticeable symptom of liver involvement is fatigue. Fatty liver disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis, gallstones, pancreatitis and chronic active hepatitis are all possible conditions associated with UC.
Bone Loss
Bone loss, low bone density or a softening of the bones are common symptoms of irritable bowel disease. As with the general population, this condition is more common in women with IBD. Vitamin D deficiency, corticosteroid therapy and inflammation are causes for bone loss, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.
Intestinal Complications
Problems directly associated with the inflammation and sores caused by UC include perforation of the bowel, fulminant colitis, toxic megacolon and an increased risk for colorectal cancer. Perforation of the bowel occurs when the intestinal wall becomes so weak that it develops a hole. Bacteria-laden contents of the intestine then flood into the body and cause infection. Fulminant colitis occurs when part of the intestine stops working temporarily, and gas and fecal material don't move through the gastrointestinal tract. Toxic megacolon can also occur if fulminant colitis progresses and the contraction of the intestinal wall doesn't recover. This can lead to severe abdominal distension and may require emergency medical attention. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America reports that 5 percent to 8 percent of people with UC develop colorectal cancer.
