What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?
Chronic Anemia
One of the hallmark signs ofulcerative colitisis blood in your stool, also known ashematochezia.
This can lead to a form of anemia known asanemia of chronic disease.
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This is when extra fat gets deposited in the liver, supplanting and damaging healthy liver cells and tissues.
Chief among these isvitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D is the nutrient that helps calcium get into your bones, making them stronger.
Older females with UC are at greatest risk due to the co-occurring decline ofestrogenduring and after menopause.
These include abnormal spinal curvature and an increased risk ofpathologic fracturesof the hip or spine.
Episcleritis is common with untreated UC.
The scars make the ducts hard and narrow, causing the backflow of bile which can damage the liver.
Studies suggest that nine out of 10 people with PSC have UC or Crohn’s disease.
Bowel Perforation and Toxic Megacolon
Bowel perforationis a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of ulcerative colitis.
Most cases of bowel perforation occur with a condition called toxic megacolon.
Research suggests that UC independently increases the risk of this cancer by sixfold compared to the general population.
With that said, only around 5% of people with severe UC will end up developing colorectal cancer.
Those who experiencepancolitis(meaning inflammation throughout the entire colon) are at greatest risk.
Other risk factors include a family history of colorectal cancer or a co-occurring diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Routinesurveillance for colorectal canceris recommended in people with long-standing UC.
A colonoscopy is typically advised every 1 to 3 years to check for polyps or early signs of cancer.
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