Complications

About Ulcerative Colitis

In addition to extra-intestinal manifestations, UC can increase the risk of developing other conditions. There are other complications that may be associated with UC.

These include:¹

$Boxes with text on five complications, which are 1. Osteoporosis - Those with UC are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition which weakens bones making them more likely to fracture. 2. Poor growth and development - UC and some of its treatments can affect growth and delay puberty, so children with UC should be regularly monitored by healthcare professionals. 3. Primary sclerosing cholangitis - Bile ducts transporting bile from your liver into your digestive system become inflamed and damaged, with symptoms usually not observed until the condition reaches advanced stages. 4. Toxic megacolon - Inflammation from UC can lead to gas becoming trapped, causing the colon to enlarge and swell, which may lead to rupture and blood infection. 5. Bowel cancer - UC can increase risk of developing bowel cancer; with overlapping symptoms, bowel cancer may also go unnoticed in those with UC.$

References

NHS – Ulcerative Colitis. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ulcerative-colitis/. Last accessed April 2025.