Complications of ulcerative colitis

Having ulcerative colitis can lead to some further problems. In this article we take a look at some of the complications of ulcerative colitis.


Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)

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PSC is a common complication of ulcerative colitis. In PSC the bile ducts which carry bile out of the liver and into the digestive system become inflamed and, over time, they get damaged.

It can be difficult to spot PSC in its early stages as symptoms only become obvious once it’s at an advanced stage. These symptoms include:

  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhoea
  • Itchy skin
  • Weight loss
  • Chills
  • High temperature
  • Jaundice

There isn’t any specific treatment for PSC. Medications are usually used to relieve its symptoms. In some cases a liver transplant is needed.

Toxic megacolon

Toxic megacolon is a rare but very serious complication of ulcerative colitis in which the colon becomes swollen due to trapped gas caused by inflammation. This swelling could cause the colon to rupture or septicaemia (blood infection).

Symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain and bloating
  • High temperature
  • Tachycardia
  • Dehydration

It can be treated with intravenous fluids, antibiotics and steroids, as well as a tube inserted into your anus to remove some of the gas. In some cases a colectomy may be needed (removal of the colon).

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies

Intestinal bleeding, inability to absorb nutrients, diarrhoea and some surgery can all play a role in vitamin and mineral deficiencies in people with ulcerative colitis.

Read more about common vitamin and mineral deficiencies in people with ulcerative colitis

Malnutrition

Malnutrition in ulcerative colitis happens because someone isn’t getting enough of the nutrients they need. This can be due to not have a varied enough diet or because they are unable to absorb the nutrients in their food due to inflammation or surgery.

Symptoms of malnutrition include:

  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Weak muscles
  • Feeling tired all the time
  • Low mood
  • An increase in illnesses or infection

Learn more about malnutrition

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a weakening of your bones. It can be caused by not absorbing nutrients or through long-term use of steroid medication. The main symptom is bone fractures.

Learn more about osteoporosis

Bowel cancer

People with ulcerative colitis have an increased risk of bowel cancer. This risk is increased the longer you have had UC.

The symptoms of bowel cancer can be similar to ulcerative colitis so it can initially be hard to spot.

Symptoms include:

  • Blood in stools
  • Diarrhoea
  • Abdominal pain

After around 10 years post-diagnosis you should have regular check-ups for bowel cancer.

Learn more about colon cancer and ulcerative colitis

Slow growth and development in children

Having ulcerative colitis, and some of its treatments, can lead to slow growth in children and/or delayed puberty.

Children with ulcerative colitis will be monitored by their IBD team and their height and weight will be checked against average measurements for their age.

Eye disorders

IBD causes inflammation in your digestive system but it can also cause problems with other parts of your body - including your eyes.

The problems may occur as a direct result of your IBD or in some cases they can be side effects as a result of medications taken to help control ulcerative colitis - such as corticosteroids.

For some people eye problems are the first sign they have a problem with their immune system and that they may have IBD - for others they are complications which can occur after years of living with IBD.

Some of the common problems include:

  • Uveitis - inflammation of the uvea
  • Episcleritis - inflammation of the outer coating of the white of the eye
  • Scleritis - inflammation of the white of your eye
  • Keratopathy - abnormality of the cornea (generally just Crohn's disease only)
  • Dry eyes - this is a secondary problem which can occur as a result of a vitamin A deficiency

Learn more about eye disorders

Other complications

Other complications of ulcerative colitis include:

  • Joint pain, arthritis and fibromyalgia
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Kidney disorders
  • Skin problems

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