What are the complications of ulcerative colitis?
Bleeding, the most common complication, often causes iron deficiency anemia. In nearly 10% of people with ulcerative colitis, a rapidly progressive first attack becomes very severe, with massive bleeding, perforation, or widespread infection. Toxic colitis, a particularly severe complication, involves damage to the entire thickness of the intestinal wall. The damage causes ileus – a condition in which the normal contractile movements of the intestinal wall temporarily stop – so that the intestinal contents are not propelled along their way. Abdominal expansion (distention) develops.
