Complications of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
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Two major types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Complications from IBD can happen both inside and outside the intestines.
During flare-ups, abdominal pain and diarrhea can lead to appetite loss and dehydration, robbing your body of important vitamins and minerals.
Prolonged damage to sections of the intestines, where nutrients are digested and absorbed, can also cause deficiencies, especially in iron, vitamins D and B12, and zinc.
A lack of these vital nutrients can lead to other problems, such as anemia and osteoporosis.
For people with long-term IBD, there's an increased risk of colon cancer, which is why regular, more frequent screening tests may be recommended.
IBD can lead to problems outside the digestive tract, including inflammation of the skin, joints and eyes.
And IBD can increase the risk of potentially life-threatening blood clots.
If you have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, talk to your doctor about any possible complications.
Each condition has its own risks, especially if you have Crohn's.
While there is no cure for IBD, treatments can greatly reduce symptoms.
SPEAKER
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, refers to lifelong conditions that cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Two major types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Complications from IBD can happen both inside and outside the intestines.
During flare-ups, abdominal pain and diarrhea can lead to appetite loss and dehydration, robbing your body of important vitamins and minerals.
Prolonged damage to sections of the intestines, where nutrients are digested and absorbed, can also cause deficiencies, especially in iron, vitamins D and B12, and zinc.
A lack of these vital nutrients can lead to other problems, such as anemia and osteoporosis.
For people with long-term IBD, there's an increased risk of colon cancer, which is why regular, more frequent screening tests may be recommended.
IBD can lead to problems outside the digestive tract, including inflammation of the skin, joints and eyes.
And IBD can increase the risk of potentially life-threatening blood clots.
If you have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, talk to your doctor about any possible complications.
Each condition has its own risks, especially if you have Crohn's.
While there is no cure for IBD, treatments can greatly reduce symptoms.