The list of extraintestinal manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is extensive. Those newly diagnosed in particular, could easily not realise which of their other conditions are actually related to their IBD.
I have been guilty (more than once) of linking things to IBD when I have been unwell, which have turned out to be completely unrelated, and I should in fact have sought help sooner. Equally, I have not linked things to IBD (or the medications I am taking to treat it) and have been completely off the mark there too!
I like a list, and I feel this is the perfect time for numerous lists, for simplicity and clarity. Please remember I am not a doctor and this is by no means a complete list. I have no doubt some of you will spot something I have missed.
Primary symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease:
- Stomach cramps/spasms
- Fever
- Diarrhoea and/or constipation
- Bloody stool
- Decrease in appetite / Weight loss
- Increased wind (Can be a sign of intestinal inflammation)
- Tenesmus
Secondary symptoms and other autoimmune conditions related to Inflammatory Bowel Disease:
- Fatigue
- Strictures
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Fistulas
- Anaemia
- Skin tags
- Anal fissures
- Malabsorption/malnutrition
- Blood clots (including DVT)
- Thinning/weakened bones
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fibromyalgia
- Musculoskeletal – joint and muscle pain and inflammation
- Arthralgia
- Peripheral arthritis
- Axial arthritis/Spondylitis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Myasthenia gravis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Oral – mouth
- Aphthous ulcers
- Canker sores
- Herpetiform ulcers
- Dental cavities
- Periodontitis
- Ocular – eyes
- Episcleritis
- Scleritis
- Uveitis/iritis
- Keratopathy
- Dermatological – skin
- Erythema nodosum
- Psoriasis
- Pyoderma gangrenosum
- Rosacea
- Acrodermatitis enteropathica
- Pyoderma vegetans
- Vasculitis
- Vitiligo
- Clubbing
- Sweet’s syndrome
- Eczema
- Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita
- Kidneys
- Kidney stones
- Enterovesical fistulas
- Ureteral obstruction
- Uric acid stones
- Hydronephrosis
- Hepatobiliary – liver, bile ducts, gallbladder
- Hepatic Steatosis / Fatty Liver Disease
- Cholelithiasis
- Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
- Pericholangitis
- Cryptogenic Cirrhosis
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Gallstones
- Neurological
- Multiple sclerosis
- Large fibre neuropathy
- Neuromuscular disorders
Side effects of medications include but are not limited to:
- Acne
- Joint pain
- Thinning of the skin
- Increases susceptibility to infection
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Insomnia
- Thinning/weakened bones
- Nausea
- Increased risk of lymphoma and skin cancer
It’s always worth seeking advice from a GP if a new health issue occurs. Even if it is IBD related, it’s possible they can be treated.
In conclusion, and as you can see, Inflammatory Bowel Disease is MUCH MORE than a disease only affecting the intestines…
Patient Advocacy 
[…] iron deficiency anaemia in IBD; what it is and how it’s treated, as it’s a pretty common extraintestinal manifestation that many of us deal […]
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[…] For the basic facts about Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, visit the #IBDSuperHeroes “About IBD” page. This page goes into some depth about IBD symptoms and extraintestinal manifestations (meaning situated or occurring outside of the intestines) that commonly occur in those with IBD. It also explains the different types of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and the common symptoms specific to each type. There are also a number of different ailments that are common in IBD patients. You can find more information on those here. […]
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