11/25/2025
Inflammatory Bowel Disease symptoms, beyond the gut
IBD often presents in cycles of flare and remission. First signs can follow an intestinal irritant such as a medication or a GI infection, and the immune response may continue after the trigger resolves.
Common gastrointestinal features
Abdominal pain or cramping; diarrhea that can be bloody; urgency and possible f***l incontinence; re**al bleeding; weight loss, fever, and anemia. In children, watch for malnutrition or delayed growth. Imaging may also show swelling or masses due to inflammation.
When inflammation is not controlled
Abscesses, strictures, and fistulas can develop, and long-term inflammation in the colon raises the risk of colon cancer.
Outside the intestines
Eyes: episcleritis or uveitis.
Mouth: stomatitis and ulcers.
Liver and biliary tract: fatty liver, gallstones, sclerosing cholangitis.
Kidneys and urinary tract: stones, hydronephrosis, infections, fistulas.
Skin: erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum.
Joints and spine: sacroiliitis, limb arthritis, and stress injuries of the vertebrae.
Understanding the full picture helps with earlier recognition and more complete support during flares and between them.