Many people think that Crohn’s and Colitis (IBD) only affects the intestines. While you would be right that IBD is an inflammatory disease of the intestines, it has the ability to change much more than digestion. IBD has been shown to affect the eyes, skin, mouth, joints, blood, bones, and kidneys. Let’s explore how IBD can impact other areas of your body and health.
Your eyes are essential to see the world around you and are one of the five senses. However, if you have IBD, and experience joint pain, your eyes may need a checkup. The most common eye issue for IBD patients is episcleritis. This is a condition of the eye where the lining between the white covering of the eye and the membrane that lines the eyelid experiences substantial inflammation. This causes redness, burning, and sensitivity in its mild form. This is usually reflective of the disease, meaning when your IBD is active, you will see these symptoms as well. A more severe and painful eye condition associated with IBD is uveitis. This is inflammation of the middle of the eye. It is usually accompanied by scleritis, that is inflammation of the whites. If left untreated these more serious eye conditions can lead to vision loss.
Next up, is how IBD can affect your skin and mouth. There is a type of skin inflammation, called erythema nodosum that is associated with IBD. It is inflammation that occurs in the fatty layer of the skin. It is characterized by red painful lumps located below the knees. These nodules range in size from about a dime to a quarter. They will eventually shrink all the way to flat once inflammation on the body is under control, but leave bruises where they were for a week or so. Less common are skin ulcers that can appear anywhere on the body, and will have to be treated with some hefty medications. Often the more serious and severe the IBD the more risk you have of skin ulcers, although they are not common. Your mouth may be at risk too, especially if you have Crohn’s. Many experience lesions of the mouth, reflective of disease activity. Mostly on the inside of your cheeks, these lesions will need to be treated with antiseptic mouthwash or topical steroids depending on their severity.
With IBD it is essential to monitor your blood and bones throughout your treatment and lifetime. Many people with IBD become anemic, meaning they do not have enough red blood cells to circulate through their body. More specifically low hemoglobin. This is the main protein in your red blood cells. It is responsible for carrying oxygen to the body. Symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, headache, fast heartbeat, cold hands and feet, as well as weakness and lightheadedness. Iron deficient anemia, the most common in IBD, can be detected after a routine blood check, and is usually addressed with iron pills and B12 shots or supplements, and a few dietary changes. As far as bones go, be on the lookout for osteoporosis. There are many factors that can play into the diagnosis. These include heavy steroid use, trouble absorbing calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium, as well as not enough physical activity. While women in general are more at risk for osteoporosis, it has been shown to affect men and women equally who have IBD. By taking calcium and vitamin D supplements and staying active, you can reduce your risk significantly.
Lastly, having IBD can increase your risk of kidney stones. While these are generally small, and pass on their own, anyone who has experienced one will tell you it is no joke. Passing these stones is a very painful process, and if they are too large you will have to have them broken up by a doctor so they can pass. For IBD specifically, a number of things can cause the presence of these stones. Most commonly chronic inflammation, they can also be caused by intestinal changes due to inflammation as well as intestinal malabsorption due to inflammation or surgery.
You may feel taken back by this information, especially if you are new to the world of IBD. This article is simply to inform you to keep a close eye on these other areas of health that may be affected. By knowing ahead of time and being prepared for these things is half the battle. The other half? Preventative care. By going to our annual eye visit, keeping up on blood work, and taking supplements we can do our part to minimize these possible complications. If a complication does arise? Consult your specialist, and work together to make a plan of action. Stay informed, stay positive, and educate other people so they know IBD is not just about the intestines.
Want to check out the sites used? Check them out HERE & HERE!
Note: * This is NOT an affiliate post. I do not receive anything for promoting or recommending things. *