However, some common symptoms include:. Fistulas that do not respond to medications increase the risk of sepsis and may require emergency surgery. An obstruction usually results when a buildup of scar tissue narrows a section of the colon, making it difficult for the stool to pass.
The medical community generally does not consider strictures to be life-threatening. However, the narrowing of the passage can lead to a tear, or perforation, in the colon. A perforated colon can be life-threatening, so strictures and other forms of intestinal obstruction usually require immediate surgery.
Chronic inflammation, abscesses, fistulas, and strictures can weaken points in the intestinal wall. Over time, the wall can tear, or perforate, allowing bacteria and other infectious substances to leak from the intestine into the abdomen.
The medical term for this is peritonitis. A perforated colon is a medical emergency. A person needs surgery to repair the hole in the intestine. Toxic megacolon is a rare but life-threatening complication of IBD. Toxic megacolon occurs when inflammation causes the colon to expand to such an extent that it cannot contract. The result is a buildup of gas. The buildup can cause the colon to burst, leaking harmful bacteria and toxins into the bloodstream.
This can lead to a range of life-threatening complications , including:. Recognizing indications of toxic megacolon and receiving prompt treatment can reduce the risk of life-threatening complications. However, for most people with the disease, the risk of developing these problems is very small.
Spotting the symptoms early and receiving prompt treatment can increase the likelihood of recovery. Inflammation caused by Crohn's disease can involve different areas of the digestive tract in different people. This inflammation often spreads into the deeper layers of the bowel. Crohn's disease can be both painful and debilitating, and sometimes may lead to life-threatening complications. While there's no known cure for Crohn's disease, therapies can greatly reduce its signs and symptoms and even bring about long-term remission and healing of inflammation.
With treatment, many people with Crohn's disease are able to function well. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are both forms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Crohn's disease most commonly affects the colon and the last part of the small intestine ileum. Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon. In Crohn's disease, any part of your small or large intestine can be involved, and it may be continuous or may involve multiple segments. In some people, the disease is confined to the colon, which is part of the large intestine.
Signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease can range from mild to severe. They usually develop gradually, but sometimes will come on suddenly, without warning. You may also have periods of time when you have no signs or symptoms remission. See your doctor if you have persistent changes in your bowel habits or if you have any of the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease, such as:.
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Several factors, such as heredity and a malfunctioning immune system, likely play a role in its development. Sometimes ulcers can extend completely through the intestinal wall, creating a fistula — an abnormal connection between different body parts.
Fistulas can develop between your intestine and your skin, or between your intestine and another organ. This may allow digestive contents to enter the abdomen. You should also consider doing regular weight-bearing exercises.
Your doctor will measure and monitor your bone density. Ask your doctor how often you should get a colonoscopy to check for colon cancer. This causes swelling and pain in the large joints of the arms and legs, such as the knees and elbows. The most common type are minor aphthous ulcers, which look like canker sores and may take about 2 weeks to heal.
Less common are major aphthous ulcers, larger sores that can take up to 6 weeks to heal. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe immunosuppressive drugs and topical steroids to treat your mouth ulcers. When fat binds to calcium, a type of salt called oxalate can end up in the kidney, forming stones there. The symptoms of a kidney stone may include pain, nausea and vomiting, and blood in the urine.
The usual treatment for a kidney stone is drinking more fluids and eating a low-oxalate diet that includes plenty of juices and vegetables. Your ophthalmologist may prescribe eye drops containing steroids to reduce the inflammation.
Decreased tear production due to a vitamin A deficiency can cause dry eyes that are itchy or burning. Artificial tears can help relieve these symptoms. In severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection. Skin tags may develop around hemorrhoids in the anus. These small flaps form when the skin thickens as the swelling is reduced.
Some people may develop lesions pyoderma gangrenosum on these same areas of the body. The lesions can be treated with topical ointments or antibiotics.
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