Can inflammatory bowel disease cause health problems in parts of the body other than the digestive tract?
Yes. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can cause a number of problems outside of the digestive tract. One common problem that occurs because of loss of blood from the digestive tract is anemia (uh-NEE-mee-uh). Anemia means that the amount of healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen to organs, is below normal. This can make a person feel very tired. Other health problems include: • Arthritis and joint pain • Weak bones and bone breaks • Inflammation in the eye and other eye problems • Liver inflammation • Gallstones • Red bumps or ulcers on the skin • Kidney stones • Delayed puberty and growth problems (in children and teens) • In rare cases, lung problems Some of these problems are caused by poor absorption of nutrients. Others are due to inflammation in parts of the body other than the digestive tract. Some of these problems get better when the IBD is treated. Others must be treated separately.
