Symptom 11. Anemia: The Hidden Consequence of Ulcerative Colitis
Anemia, a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells, is a common yet often overlooked symptom of ulcerative colitis. Given that red blood cells are responsible for delivering oxygen to the body’s tissues, a decrease in their number can result in various systemic symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Chronic bleeding due to frequent ulceration and inflammation of the colon, a common occurrence in UC, can lead to iron deficiency anemia. This is because the loss of blood also means a loss of iron, an essential element needed for the production of red blood cells. Consequently, the body struggles to produce enough new red blood cells, leading to anemia.
However, the connection between UC and anemia isn’t just related to blood loss. The chronic inflammation associated with UC can also interfere with the body’s ability to use stored iron and absorb new iron, worsening the anemia. Additionally, certain medications used in the treatment of UC may affect the body’s production of red blood cells, further contributing to anemia. (11)
