Complications of Crohn's Disease (Cont.)

 
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis (thinning of bones) is also a threat to people with Crohn's disease because of:
 
  • Low calcium and vitamin D intake through dairy products
  • Poor absorption of nutrients in the body
  • The use of corticosteroids (for Crohn's disease treatment).
     
(Click Crohn's and Osteoporosis for more information. Also, click Osteoporosis Prevention to learn how to prevent this condition.)
 
Joint Problems
Up to 25 percent of people with Crohn's disease will have joint complications. This may include intermittent joint tenderness or arthritis. Two types of arthritis seen in people with Crohn's disease include enteropathic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
 
Skin Problems
Skin problems are more commonly seen when the colon is affected. Skin complications occur in about 15 percent of people with Crohn's disease.
 
Eye Problems
Eye complications occur in about 5 percent of people with Crohn's disease. These include:
 
  • Iritis (inflammation of the colored part of the eyes)
  • Uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye)
  • Episcleritis (inflammation of the white part of the eyes).
     
Other Complications of Crohn's Disease
Other complications associated with Crohn's disease include:
 
  • Kidney stones
  • Gallstones
  • Other diseases of the liver and bile duct system, including:

 

    • Pericholangitis
    • Sclerosing cholangitis
    • Bile duct cancer
    • Hepatitis
    • Cirrhosis.
 
Some of these problems resolve during treatment for Crohn's disease, but some must be treated separately.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD