An Overview of Ulcerative Colitis Complications
There are a variety of potential complications with
ulcerative colitis. Some of these ulcerative colitis complications happen inside the intestines, while others, such as
arthritis and skin disorders, occur in other parts of the body (these are known as systemic complications).
Possible ulcerative colitis complications within the digestive tract may include:
- Sores or ulcers
- A perforation (tear) in the intestines
- Toxic megacolon
- Cancer
- A fistula (rare).
Some complications of ulcerative colitis that can happen outside of the intestines include:
- Osteoporosis (bone thinning)
- Joint problems, such as joint tenderness or arthritis
- Skin disorders
- Inflammation of the eyes or mouth
- Liver disease
- Inflammation of the bile ducts
- Kidney stones.
Not everyone with ulcerative colitis develops these complications. In fact, most people with well-controlled ulcerative colitis will not develop complications. Complications are also less common in those with limited involvement of the
colon or rectum. For example, in people with ulcerative proctitis, complications outside the digestive tract are rare.
It is not known exactly why a number of these complications can occur -- especially those outside of the intestines.
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