Both men and women are affected equally. The arthritis of IBD can appear at any age, but is most common between the ages of 25 and 45. In adults, the arthritis is usually most active when the bowel disease is active. Indeed, the amount of bowel disease usually influences the severity of the arthritis. In children, the arthritis is not as often associated with increased bowel disease activity.
Ulcerative colitis produces inflammation and breakdown along the lining of the colon.
Symptoms may include rectal bleeding, abdominal cramping, weight loss, and fever. The bowel symptoms often occur before the symptoms of arthritis. When ulcerative colitis is present, the arthritis is most likely to occur if there is severe bleeding or if the area around the anus is inflamed. When only the rectum is involved, the chance of getting arthritis is less. An exception is during the first episode of arthritis, which can come at any time.