Symptom 12. Kidney Stones: An Unwanted Side Effect of Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis can increase the risk of kidney stones, a painful condition that occurs when hard deposits made of minerals and salts form in your kidneys. These stones can cause severe pain when they move through the urinary tract.
Why are individuals with UC more prone to kidney stones? It’s primarily due to chronic dehydration, a common issue for those with UC, and a major risk factor for kidney stone development. When the body is consistently dehydrated, the kidneys must work harder to filter and concentrate urine, which can lead to stone formation.
Symptoms of kidney stones can include severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs, pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin, pain during urination, pink, red or brown urine, or urinating more often than usual. (12)
