IBD can affect more than just your gastrointestinal tract. Here are the other areas of the body where you may experience IBD symptoms, plus tips on how to get the treatment you need.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract. If you’re reading this, you likely already know some of the common symptoms: abdominal pain, loose stools, and constipation, to name a few. But did you know that IBD can also affect other areas of the body, including the skin, eyes, joints, liver, and overall mental health?
To effectively manage IBD, it’s important to address all areas of the body that are affected. In this article, we’ll discuss the different areas of the body where you may experience symptoms of IBD, the types of doctors who might treat each symptom, tips on how to take control of your care plan, and questions to ask your doctor.
First, a quick refresher. IBD is an autoimmune condition that can wreak havoc on your digestive tract. It’s made up of two different conditions: Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. You may be more likely to experience IBD symptoms in other areas of the body depending on what type of IBD you have. And, you may even experience some of these symptoms before you even experience GI symptoms (conversely, they could also occur well after you’ve been diagnosed). If you have been diagnosed, or suspect you may have IBD, there are several seemingly unrelated symptoms you may want to keep an eye on, plus specialists you can talk to for treatment.
Areas of the Body Affected by IBD
The Digestive Tract
The digestive tract is the area of the body that is most commonly affected by IBD. The chronic inflammation that occurs in the digestive tract can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. The inflammation can also cause scarring and narrowing of the intestines, which can lead to bowel obstructions.
Who Treats It: Gastroenterologist
A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the digestive tract, including IBD. They are the primary specialist for treating IBD and can provide a range of treatments, including medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes.
Who Treats It: Dietitian
Many people with IBD discover they need to modify their diet to avoid triggering foods that make their symptoms worse. A dietitian can help a patient come up with an eating plan. This can be important since many people with IBD find it hard to absorb the nutrients their body needs.
The Joints
IBD can cause joint pain and inflammation, which can make it difficult to move and perform daily activities. The joint pain associated with IBD is often similar to that of rheumatoid arthritis. This is one of the most common symptoms of IBD outside of the GI tract and can impact both large and small joints. Joint pain usually goes away when your IBD is under control.
Who Treats It: Rheumatologist
A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in treating joint conditions, including arthritis. If you are experiencing more severe symptoms of joint pain, or if you’ve been diagnosed with a form of arthritis, your doctor will likely recommend that see a rheumatologist regularly.
The Skin
IBD can cause a range of skin manifestations, including erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum, and psoriasis. Erythema nodosum is a painful condition that causes red, tender nodules on the skin (typically on the lower legs), while pyoderma gangrenosum causes painful ulcers. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes scaly, red patches on the skin.
These skin conditions will typically flare up when your IBD flares up and usually will go away as you go into periods of remission. If your skin irritations are severe, your doctor may use medications to treat them.
Who Treats It: Dermatologist
A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in treating skin conditions. They may be consulted to treat skin manifestations of IBD, including erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum, and psoriasis.
The Eyes
IBD can affect the eyes, causing a range of symptoms including dryness, pain, and redness. Eye irritation is more common in those who experience joint pain. In most cases, the irritation is mild and will go away with general IBD treatment. In some cases, IBD can also cause inflammation of the iris and other parts of the eye, which can lead to vision loss if not treated.
Who Treats It: Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in treating eye conditions. Your doctor may refer you to an ophthalmologist to treat inflammation of the iris and other parts of the eye due to IBD, or medications you’re taking to treat IBD.
The Bones
People with IBD are at a higher risk for getting osteoporosis than those without. This can be due to the type of medications that IBD patients may have to take, and issues with absorbing important vitamins and minerals that can protect the bones. In addition, the inflammation caused by IBD can lead to a reduction in BMD (bone mineral density) which may lead to osteoporosis.
Who Treats It: Rheumatologist or Endocrinologist.
Just like with your joints, a rheumatologist is your best bet for looking into bone conditions caused by IBD. Your doctor may also ask you to see an endocrinologist, who specializes in looking at hormone levels and how they may contribute to bone loss.
The Liver
In some cases, IBD can cause inflammation of the liver, which can lead to cirrhosis and other complications. The liver is responsible for filtering toxins from the body, so when it becomes inflamed, it can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain.
Who Treats It: Hepatologist
A hepatologist is a doctor who specializes in treating liver conditions. Your doctor may have you see a hepatologist if they suspect inflammation or damage to the liver associated with your IBD or treatment.
The Mind
Living with IBD can take a significant toll on mental health. The stress and anxiety associated with the condition can exacerbate symptoms and make it more difficult to manage the condition. Some people with IBD may also experience depression and other mental health issues.
Who Treats It: Mental Health Professional
A mental health professional can help manage the emotional toll that IBD can take on mental health. They can provide support and resources to help manage stress and anxiety, and may also be able to provide treatment for depression or other mental health conditions.
Tips for Taking Control of Your Care Plan
Managing IBD can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to stay on top of your care plan:
Work with your team of specialists.
IBD can affect many different areas of the body, so it’s important to work with a team of specialists who can address each symptom. This team may include a gastroenterologist, dietitian, dermatologist, ophthalmologist, rheumatologist, hepatologist, and mental health professional. Be sure to inform all of your doctors of other symptoms you may be experiencing.
While they may seem unrelated, giving your doctors a clear picture of your overall health is helpful in receiving the proper care. For instance, one doctor may use a specific treatment to treat a portion of your IBD, which may cause you to experience side effects in another area of your body. Ensuring everyone knows what you’re taking, and how you’re treating your overall symptoms will make for a more holistic treatment approach.
Keep track of symptoms.
It’s important to keep track of any symptoms you experience, as this can help you and your doctor adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Stay on top of medications.
Taking medications as prescribed is essential for managing IBD. It’s important to stay compliant with your medications and to let your doctor know if you experience any side effects.
Make lifestyle changes.
Making lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet and exercise routine, can help manage symptoms of IBD.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
When meeting with any new doctor, it’s important to come prepared with questions. Here are some questions to consider asking:
- What are the treatment options for my symptoms?
- Could my symptoms be caused by any condition other than IBD?
- What side effects can I expect from my medications?
- What lifestyle changes can I make to manage/ease my symptoms?
- What should I do differently during an IBD flare vs. times when my IBD is under control?
- How often should I come in for follow-up appointments?
- What symptoms should I be concerned about and report to you immediately?
- How can I manage the stress and anxiety associated with my condition?
- Are there any clinical trials or experimental treatments available that may be right for me?
Managing IBD requires addressing all areas of the body that are affected by the condition. Working with a team of specialists, staying on top of medications, making lifestyle changes, and asking questions can all help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Remember to prioritize your mental health and seek help if needed, as IBD can take a significant toll on emotional well-being. By taking an active role in your care plan, you can effectively manage IBD and live a fulfilling life.
