Inflammatory Bowel Disease & the Loss of Bone Density

If you suffer from a bowel or gastrointestinal complication, you most likely understand the profound impact the symptoms can have on your quality of life. For many GI patients, the complications associated with gastrointestinal disorders can lead to not only impaired function, but also reduce life span.

For individuals who suffer from complications associated with inflammatory bowel disease, IBD, the symptoms can be quite significant and reduce mobility, function and even create a significant degree of dependence. Of the many short term complications, patients with IBD must not only work to treat the most immediate complications, in an effort to improve function, but also manage the long term complications.

Inflammatory bowel disease has long been associated with a marked decrease in the bone density of the patient who suffers from it. With decrease in bone density, patients with IBD are, therefore, at risk for developing bone deterioration complications, such as the development of osteoporosis. There are many underlying factors that contribute to low bone density in the IBD patient, most notably issues involved with malnutrition, low body mass, poor food quantity intake, hypogonadism, a history of smoking, and even genetic factors.

If you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, IBD, it is important to manage your long term risks for poor bone health and low bone density. Because the risk for abnormal bone development leads to osteoporosis and, ultimately, may lead to a greater risk for fractures, your long-term health could be compromised. For many aging adults, the development of fractures, especially hip fractures, have a significant impact on mortality.