The Link Between Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Other Conditions: What You Need To Know

Gastroenterology Clinic provides Louisiana with a team of skilled experts who can manage a variety of common conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Monroe, LA. IBD is a painful problem that is often connected with other conditions. Understanding these connections can help you and our team of experts figure out what is impacting your health.

Skin Conditions: A Common Connection to IBD

Oddly, people with IBD often develop various skin conditions that might not seem connected to the bowels at all. The connection lies in nutrient deficiencies, which often develop in people with IBD. For example, a lack of zinc, iron, and vitamin C can cause various skin problems, making this problem more painful. These include issues like:

• Erythema nodosum, a common condition that causes tender red nodules on extremities 
• Pyoderma gangrenosum, a disease that may cause small blisters that turn into ulcers
• Acne, or pimples and rashes that spread throughout the skin rampantly 
• Hives, an itchy skin rash that can spread quickly over any part of your body 
• Psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that appears as red and flaky patches

At Gastroenterology Clinic, we can diagnose and treat your inflammatory bowel disease in Monroe, LA, to reduce your pain. We’ll pair you up with a skin expert, as well, if you experience any lingering side effects from your IBD. Furthermore, we can help you better understand other related conditions and ensure you get the support that suits your needs. 

Potentially Triggering Issues

IBD is not only heavily connected to skin conditions but also diseases like ulcerative colitis and Chron’s disease. Both of these conditions cause inflammation and even sores throughout the digestive system. Ulcerative colitis usually develops in the large intestine, with Chron’s focusing mostly on the small intestine. These conditions come with severe symptoms like:

• Diarrhea that won’t go away, often with blood paired with each bowel movement 
• Rectal bleeding when you “go” to the bathroom or even while resting 
• Abdominal pain that can become quite extreme while eating 
• Fatigue and weight loss that make life very difficult to live

Other Issues Connected to IBD

While less common, IBD might develop concurrently with:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Other mental health concerns
• Skin rashes
• Joint pain 
• Eye issues
• Dehydration 
• Osteoporosis
• Malabsorption of your food

Take Care of Your Health 

Gastroenterology Clinic fully understands diseases as diverse as inflammatory bowel disease in Monroe, LA, and will work hard to ensure you get the support you need. By getting hands-on treatment from a team of specialists, we’ll help balance your gut health and reduce your physical pain. Call our team at (318) 325-2634 to schedule an appointment with our expert team.