Connection between Sacroiliitis and Ulcerative Colitis: Understanding the Relationship
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a common type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the lining of the large intestine. It is the most prevalent form of IBD worldwide [1]. The condition is linked to sacroiliitis, inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, as part of the spectrum of extraintestinal manifestations of IBD [5].
Sacroiliitis occurs due to systemic immune dysregulation, a condition that triggers inflammation not only in the gut but also in extraintestinal sites like joints. In UC, chronic intestinal inflammation driven by immune cells and cytokines can extend beyond the colon, contributing to conditions such as sacroiliitis [2][5].
Managing Ulcerative Colitis and Sacroiliitis
Treatment for UC includes anti-inflammatory drugs such as aminosalicylates (5-ASA), corticosteroids for acute flares, and immunomodulators or biologics (TNF inhibitors, anti-integrins, IL-12/23 inhibitors) for maintaining remission [1][2]. For sacroiliitis associated with IBD, treatment typically overlaps with UC management to control systemic inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used cautiously due to potential GI risks. Instead, biologic agents (especially TNF inhibitors like infliximab or adalimumab) are often effective for both intestinal and joint symptoms [5].
Physical therapy and symptomatic care for joint pain and stiffness may support overall management. As a person begins to better manage their UC symptoms, they will often notice an improvement in their sacroiliitis symptoms, too. A doctor can recommend additional therapies that may help improve symptoms of either UC or sacroiliitis.
Recognising the Symptoms
People living with UC have a greater chance of developing sacroiliitis, with studies showing a range of 16% to 46% [3]. The pain associated with sacroiliitis can affect areas such as the hips, groin, lower back, and buttocks. Arthritis symptoms in people with UC often occur during worse UC flares [4].
UC can cause symptoms such as blood in the stool, loose and urgent bowel movements, pain and cramping in the abdomen, persistent diarrhea. The pain of sacroiliitis can increase due to everyday activities like climbing stairs, running, standing for long periods, taking longer strides, and uneven weight distribution.
Prevention and Awareness
Keeping UC under control with diet, medication, and other therapies may help prevent symptoms of sacroiliitis from occurring. It is crucial for people living with UC to talk with their doctor if they notice symptoms associated with sacroiliitis, such as pain in the hips when walking or any other types of arthritis. Early detection and treatment can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected by both UC and sacroiliitis.
A primary care physician may refer a person to a rheumatologist for diagnosis of sacroiliitis. A 2020 study found that about 25% of people living with IBD also developed sacroiliitis [5]. By understanding the link between UC and sacroiliitis, healthcare professionals can provide more comprehensive care for their patients.
- The spectrum of extraintestinal manifestations of IBD includes sacroiliitis, a condition linked to ulcerative colitis (UC).
- Ulcerative colitis is a common type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the large intestine.
- Systemic immune dysregulation triggers inflammation not only in the gut but also in extraintestinal sites like joints, as seen in UC.
- Chronic intestinal inflammation driven by immune cells and cytokines in UC can extend beyond the colon.
- Treatment for UC includes aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologics.
- Treatment for sacroiliitis typically overlaps with UC management to control systemic inflammation.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used cautiously due to potential GI risks in UC.
- Biologic agents, especially TNF inhibitors, are often effective for both intestinal and joint symptoms in sacroiliitis.
- Physical therapy and symptomatic care for joint pain and stiffness can support overall management of UC and sacroiliitis.
- People with UC have a greater chance of developing sacroiliitis, with symptoms showing a range of 16% to 46%.
- Sacroiliitis symptoms in UC can affect areas such as the hips, groin, lower back, and buttocks.
- Arthritis symptoms in people with UC often occur during worse UC flares.
- UC causes symptoms such as blood in the stool, loose and urgent bowel movements, pain and cramping in the abdomen, and persistent diarrhea.
- The pain of sacroiliitis may increase due to everyday activities such as climbing stairs or running.
- Controlling UC with diet, medication, and other therapies may help prevent symptoms of sacroiliitis from occurring.
- It is crucial for people living with UC to talk with their doctor if they notice symptoms associated with sacroiliitis.
- Early detection and treatment can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected by both UC and sacroiliitis.
- A primary care physician may refer a person to a rheumatologist for the diagnosis of sacroiliitis.
- By understanding the link between UC and sacroiliitis, healthcare professionals can provide more comprehensive care for their patients.
- 2020 research found that about 25% of people living with IBD also developed sacroiliitis.
- Predictive models in science play a crucial role in linking various medical conditions like UC, sacroiliitis, and other chronic diseases.
- Workplace wellness programs often emphasize the importance of managing medical conditions like UC and sacroiliitis.
- Chronic diseases like UC and sacroiliitis require a holistic approach to treatment, including diet, fitness, and stress management.
- Atopic dermatitis, a common skin condition, may be associated with the development of UC or a higher risk of a flare-up.
- Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown potential in managing symptoms of various neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
- Environmental science and climate change influence the prevalence and severity of respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD.
- Dermatitis and eczema are examples of skin-care issues that may be aggravated by environmental factors like pollution and extreme temperatures.
- Diabetes management often includes a combination of medications, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments, such as improved nutrition and exercise.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can negatively impact eye-health, perhaps due to nutritional deficiencies or stress-related eye strain.
- Hearing loss and tinnitus are potential side effects of certain medications used to treat chronic diseases like UC and diabetes.
- Health and wellness encompass various aspects, including mental health, physical fitness, and skin-care.
- Regular fitness-and-exercise, combined with a balanced diet, can positively impact the overall management of autoimmune disorders like UC.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and tech innovation are transforming the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of various medical conditions, like UC and diabetes.
- Energy efficiency and sustainable living can help manage the impact of climate change on public health, particularly chronic diseases like COPD and asthma.
- The finance industry plays a key role in promoting wealth management and investing in medical breakthroughs for the betterment of public health and disease prevention.
