Ulcerative Colitis: Symptoms And Treatments

6. Weight Loss

Ulcerative colitis is common in people with digestive disorders for several reasons. First, the disruption of the gastrointestinal tract may result in an inability for the small intestine to absorb nutrients, which causes a calorie deficit. A person experiencing a flare may have no appetite or their condition may be worsened by eating or drinking, which makes it difficult to enjoy eating food. Liquid diets and vitamins may be necessary during flares to prevent malnutrition and supply the body with the energy it needs to fight the infection.

5. Anemia

Anemia occurs when the blood is deficient in red blood cells, which are required to deliver oxygen throughout the body. Rectal bleeding and blood loss due to blood diarrhea may increase the risk of anemia. Ulcerative colitis may also cause iron-deficient anemia, which occurs when the body becomes deficient in the mineral iron. During a flare, the lining of the colon becomes infected and inflamed, which makes it difficult for the small intestine to absorb many nutrients and increases the risk of deficiencies.