If ulcerative colitis is not treated, 5 complications will be entangled, and many people do not understand it

During a family gathering, Uncle Zhang suddenly turned pale and hurried to the bathroom. This was the third time he had hurried out of the table today. Afterwards, he said lightly that it was "an upset stomach", but in fact, Uncle Zhang had been suffering from ulcerative colitis (UC) for many months. Like Uncle Zhang, many patients are not treated in a timely manner due to their neglect or lack of understanding of the condition, thus facing serious health risks. Ulcerative colitis is more than just a "small tummy discomfort", and if left untreated, it can lead to a series of dangerous complications and even life-threatening. This article will delve into the five major complications that can plague untreated ulcerative colitis, aiming to remind patients and families to pay enough attention to the severity of this disease and treat it in a timely manner.

Complication 1: The risk of colon cancer is greatly increased

Long-term untreated ulcerative colitis significantly increases the risk of colon cancer. According to clinical studies, long-term chronic inflammation is an important cause of colon cancer. For patients with poorly managed disease, the risk of developing colon cancer within 10 years can be as high as 18%. Regular colonoscopies, at least every 1 to 2 years, are recommended to detect early signs of cancer. Complication 2: Iron deficiency anemia Persistent intestinal inflammation and microbleeding can lead to iron loss, resulting in the development of iron deficiency anemia. This type of anemia not only causes fatigue and weakness, but may also affect immune function and wound healing. Effective management strategies include iron supplementation and increased intake of iron-containing foods, such as red meat, legumes, and vitamin C-rich foods, which can aid iron absorption. Complication 3: Untreated ulcerative colitis with intestinal perforation may lead to severe damage to the intestinal wall, which can lead to intestinal perforation. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgical intervention. Symptoms of intestinal perforation include sudden, severe abdominal pain, fever, and abdominal tenderness. Regular medical monitoring can help identify disease progression and take preventive measures to avoid such serious consequences.

Complication 4: Toxic megacolon

Toxic megacolon is a rare but life-threatening complication that manifests as rapid dilation of the colon. Patients may present with severe abdominal pain, high fever, abdominal distention, and systemic infection. This requires emergency medical intervention, which may include medication and surgery. Early symptom alertness and immediate treatment are key to preventing toxic megacolon. Complication 5: ArthritisAbout 10-20% of patients with ulcerative colitis will experience arthritis. This type of arthritis usually affects large joints, such as the knees and ankles. With anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy, joint pain can be effectively managed and joint function maintained. In addition, proper activity and rest in daily life are also an important part of managing symptoms. The presentation of these five complications aims to raise awareness of the serious consequences that can result from ulcerative colitis, emphasizing the importance of timely treatment and monitoring. With appropriate medical intervention, the incidence of these complications can be significantly reduced and the quality of life of patients can be improved.

Why treating ulcerative colitis early is a responsibility you can't ignore

Ulcerative colitis (UC) isn't just a chronic condition that affects the digestive system; Untreated, UC can lead to a range of serious complications, from life-threatening colorectal cancer to iron deficiency anemia, which can be challenging in everyday life. In addition, complications such as intestinal perforation and toxic megacolon are not only life-threatening, but also require urgent medical intervention and sometimes even surgery. In the face of this condition, timely medical diagnosis and treatment are particularly important. On the one hand, early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of complications, maintain intestinal function, and maintain the quality of life of patients. On the other hand, regular medical examinations can detect changes in the condition in time, adjust the treatment plan in time, and avoid the deterioration of the condition.

We strongly advise patients and family members not to ignore any early symptoms such as recurrent abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools. Recognising these early warning signs and seeking professional medical help is a critical step in preventing your condition from getting worse. At the same time, maintain close communication with your medical team to ensure that your treatment plan is continuously updated and best suited to your current health condition. Finally, it is equally important for people with ulcerative colitis and their families to have access to reliable information and support resources. Here are some reliable resources to help you better understand this condition, learn how to manage and live with it, and ensure that every patient receives the most appropriate treatment and support. Through timely medical intervention, we are not only able to control the disease, but also prevent potential complications and improve the quality of life of patients. This is a shared responsibility of every patient, family member and healthcare provider. Let's move forward together to ensure that every patient has a healthy, quality of life.