Large gut ulcers brought on by ulcerative colitis may result in digestive issues. Some patients with ulcerative colitis experience symptoms in other areas of their bodies, like their skin or joints.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the aggregate term for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Diarrhea and stomach pain are frequent symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Up to 50% of individuals with IBD experience symptoms in areas such as their joints, eyes, or skin in addition to their large intestine. Although the exact etiology of these extraintestinal symptoms is unknown, it is believed to be connected to the gut’s inflammatory response.

Continue reading to find out more about the “extraintestinal” manifestations of ulcerative colitis and IBD, which are symptoms that occur outside of the intestines.

Extraintestinal manifestations of ulcerative colitis

Numerous bodily areas may be impacted by ulcerative colitis’s extraintestinal symptoms. They may occur in as many as 25% of IBD patients. You may develop some of these particular types.

Musculoskeletal signs and symptoms

The most common extraintestinal symptom of IBD is arthritis. Up to 40% of individuals may experience it. It could happen prior to, concurrently with, or following the development of gastrointestinal symptoms.

The Arthritis Foundation states that the following are the most prevalent forms of arthritis linked to IBD:

Skin-related signs and symptoms

Of those with IBD, 15% to 20% get skin symptoms. The primary circumstances that occur are:

• red, sensitive pimples called erythema nodosum are typically found on both shins.
• pyoderma gangrenosum is characterized by tiny, discolored blisters or bumps that quickly enlarge into huge ulcers.
• small, painful mouth ulcers known as canker sores and aphthous stomatitis

Eye- and vision-related signs and symptoms

About 4% to 12% of people with IBD appear to have eye symptoms, and the rates for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are comparable.

Eye issues could include:

• uveitis, inflammation of the middle layer of your eye
• keratopathy, a cornea abnormality
• episcleritis, inflammation of the outer layer of your eye’s white
• dry eyes

Liver, gallbladder, and bile duct signs and symptoms

Nearly 5% of individuals with IBD develop autoimmune hepatitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Your immune system attacking healthy liver cells is known as autoimmune hepatitis.

Another autoimmune disease called primary sclerosing cholangitis causes inflammation of the bile ducts both inside and outside of the liver.

Urological manifestations

Kidney stones or urinary tract blockage may occur in certain individuals. Certain cancers of the urinary tract, such bladder or kidney cancer, may also be connected to IBD.

Blood clots

It is estimated that individuals with IBD have a roughly twofold increased risk of venous blood clots in comparison to those without the disease.

Breathing problems

Some patients with severe ulcerative colitis may experience heart or respiratory problems, including:

• shortness of breath
• breathing trouble
• rapid heart rate

When to contact a doctor

If you have any of the possible symptoms of IBD, such as diarrhea or unexplained abdominal pain, it’s critical to consult a physician. It’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider if you have already been diagnosed with IBD and you observe that your symptoms are changing or becoming worse.

How is UC diagnosed?

A physician may suggest the following if they suspect ulcerative colitis:

• blood tests
• stool tests
• computed tomography (CT) scan
• endoscopy
• flexible sigmoidoscopy
• colonoscopy
• biopsy of your intestines

How is UC treated?

The following are the primary methods of treating ulcerative colitis:

• making dietary changes, such as:
  • consuming smaller amounts of food throughout the day
  • reducing consumption of overly fatty or greasy foods
  • minimizing intake of raw and high fiber foods that cause a flare-up of your symptoms
• reducing stress
• medications, such as:
  • aminosalicylates
  • corticosteroids
  • immunomodulators
  • biologics
  • JAK inhibitors
  • surgery

Frequently asked questions about ulcerative colitis outside colon

What’s the most common extraintestinal manifestation of ulcerative colitis?

The most prevalent extraintestinal symptom of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis is joint pain, which is followed by issues with the skin, liver, gallbladder, and eyes.

What’s the difference in extraintestinal manifestations of ulcerative colitis vs. Crohn’s disease?

Extraintestinal symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can be comparable. According to some study, ulcerative colitis may be more likely to cause thoracic symptoms like lung or airway issues.

Takeaway

Although gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common cause of ulcerative colitis, some patients also experience symptoms that affect other body parts like the joints, skin, or eyes.

It’s critical to see a medical expert for a correct diagnosis if you experience unexplained symptoms that you think might be associated with ulcerative colitis. Seeing your doctor is also crucial if you observe that your symptoms are growing worse.