Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease which causes ulcers in the rectum and colon. About half of the people diagnosed with ulcerative colitis experience mild cramps and diarrhea, while others suffer from severe pain and even fevers (Source: Everyday Health).
No one seems to know why ulcerative colitis causes inflammation of the large intestine, but it is well-known that ulcerative colitis increases one’s risk for colon cancer. If not well-managed, ulcerative colitis can lead to many other complications that are seemingly unrelated:
- Colon cancer—If you have ulcerative colitis, the risk for developing colon cancer does not start to increase until you have had the disease for about 8 to 10 years. If you also have a family history of colon cancer, your risk for developing colon cancer is even higher. Regular checkups with your primary care physician and routine colonoscopies will help prevent colon cancer from developing.
- Liver disease—Ulcerative colitis can cause gallstones, pancreatitis and fatty liver disease. These complications are treatable with medication and surgery.
- Arthritis—About 1 in every 4 patients with ulcerative colitis develops arthritis. In fact, arthritis is the most common complication of ulcerative colitis outside of the intestines. Most cases of arthritis can be treated with exercise and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Eye disease—Uveitis is an eye condition that is characterized by inflammation of the pigmented part of the eye. Uveitis can progress into glaucoma, a family of diseases that affects the optic nerve and can lead to permanent vision loss. Patients with ulcerative colitis should schedule routine comprehensive eye exams to ensure early diagnosis of any vision conditions that develop.
- Bone loss—Osteoporosis is usually seen as a disease of the elderly, but colitis patients can develop bone loss as a side effect of medication or vitamin deficiencies.
If you have ulcerative colitis, make it a priority to schedule regular visits to your primary care physician. Taking your medication regularly will reduce inflammation and decrease your risk for associated complications. Finally, ask your doctor for recommendations about how often you should be screened for colon cancer. If you need to find a qualified gastroenterologist in your area, you can use our Find a Center tool to locate a GI center near you.