As the clock of IBD ticks, complications can develop affecting not only the intestines but potentially other parts of the body.
Furthermore, complications may arise from the disease itself or from medical/surgical treatments. This is why by embracing a multidisciplinary approach and with early intervention, individuals can bravely navigate the challenging journey of living with IBD.
Complications of IBD
- Inside the Gut: Intestinal Complications
- Outside the Gut: Exraintestinal Manifestation (EIM)
Intestinal Complications (Inside the Gut)
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease have some complications in common and others that are specific to each condition.
Ulcerative colitis (UC)
- Toxic Megacolon: severe inflammation that leads to rapid enlargement of the colon
- Hemorrhage: severe GI bleeding
Crohn’s Disease (CD)
- Fistula: ulcers creating tunnels between intestines, skin, or organs
- Abscess: pus collection in abdomen, pelvis, or anal area
- Stricture: narrowed intestine from scarring, can cause blockage
(These complications occur in 1/3 of CD patients.)
Both
- Bowel Perforation: chronic intestinal inflammation weakens the bowel wall developing a hole
- Malabsorption: leading to deficiency of vitamins and minerals.
Colon Cancer
Extraintestinal Manifestation (Outside the Gut)
Between 25 – 40% of IBD patients experience EIMs, and can occur before or after the diagnosis of IBD in a specific organ or site including:
- Eyes: redness, pain, conjunctivitis, and itchiness
- Mouth: oral lesions
- Joints: swelling and pain
- Skin: painful ulcerations and other sores or rashes
- Bones: osteoporosis
- Kidney: kidney stones
- Liver/Pancreas: hepatitis and pancreatitis
- Blood: iron deficiency anemia
- Mental Health: depression and anxiety
Early management of IBD, along with appropriate medical care, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and medical nutrition therapy, is crucial for reducing complications, improving outcomes, and enhancing the quality of life for patients.
References:
- Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. (2019). The Facts about Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Retrieved from https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2019-02/Updated%20IBD%20Factbook.pdf
- Lichtenstein GR, Shahabi A, Seabury SA, Lakdawalla DN, Espinosa OD, Green S, Brauer M, Baldassano RN. Increased Lifetime Risk of Intestinal Complications and Extraintestinal Manifestations in Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2022 Jan;18(1):32-43.
- Malik TF, Aurelio DM. Extraintestinal Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. [Updated 2023 Mar 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan
- Sange AH, Srinivas N, Sarnaik MK, Modi S, Pisipati Y, Vaidya S, Syed Gaggatur N, Sange I. Extra Intestinal Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Cureus. 2021 Aug 15;13(8):e17187.
