10 Facts You Need To Know About Ulcerative Colitis

Complications Of Ulcerative Colitis

As ulcerative colitis progresses and if it remains severe, there are possible complications associated with the condition. Potential complications of the disease include osteoporosis (bone loss); severe bleeding; heightened risk of blood clots in arteries and veins; liver disease; perforated colon (hole in colon); severe dehydration; inflammation of eyes and skin; arthritis; toxic megacolon (frequent swelling of the colon); increased risk of colorectal cancer; primary sclerosing cholangitis (inflamed and/or damaged bile ducts). Some medications used to treat ulcerative colitis can cause some complications. For example, the prolonged use of corticosteroid medication which is used to treat UC can lead to osteoporosis and the weakening of the bones. In children and adolescents, failure to grow or poor growth and development can occur as a complication of ulcerative colitis.