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Question answered:07/11/02 Warning! this question is over two years old.
We found no evidence from our usual sources showing a link between IBS and arthritis. However, having conducted a general internet search we did find a reference to IBS and arthritis, however we are unable to assess its validity.
"Many other diseases can be linked to IBS, including candidiasis, colon cancer, diabetes mellitus, gallbladder disease, malabsorption disorders, pancreatic insufficiency, ulcers, and the parasitic infections amebiasis and giardiasis. Over 100 different disorders may be linked to the systemic effects of IBS. One disorder that is linked in about 25 percent of adults with IBS is arthritis, usually peripheral arthritis, which affects the ankles, knees, and wrists. Less frequently, the spine is affected. IBS can also be related to skin disorders, but this is unusual. Some people with IBS have abnormalities in the levels of liver enzymes in their blood". (1)
Emedicine contains a chapter on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which indicates that arthritis is a complication in IBD.
- "Extraintestinal complications occur in approximately 20% of patients with IBD. In some cases, they may be more problematic than the bowel disease itself.
- Peripheral arthritis, usually migratory and monoarticular, tends to parallel disease activity but may antedate it". (2)
We also found a general internet search which refers to arthritis and IBD again we can not vouch for its validity.
"Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is associated with several other conditions including liver disorder primary sclerosing cholangitis, fissures, fistulas, and arthritis. Arthritis is the most common extraintestinal complication, affecting an estimated 25% of all IBD patients. The two most common forms of arthritis experienced by IBD patients are peripheral and spinal arthritis". (3)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome. www.geocities.com/hotsprings/6075/IBS.html accessed 7/11/02
- Shapiro W. Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Emedicine www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic106.htm
- Arthritis and IBD. http://ibscrohns.about.com/library/weekly/aa053002a.htm
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