Research suggests a link between psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which both involve inflammation. However, a person with PsA may experience symptoms related to the GI tract without developing IBD.
PsA is a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints. It develops in some people with psoriasis and can cause symptoms such as loss of range of motion, stiffness, swelling, fatigue, and more.
IBD is the term for a group of conditions, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract causes IBD. The symptoms can include diarrhea, bloody stools, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
This article discusses what researchers know about PsA and bowel issues.
In a 2017 study, researchers found a link between PsA and an increased risk of Crohn’s disease. However, the findings revealed no increased risk of ulcerative colitis.
Anyone who has PsA and develops symptoms in their bowels should inform a doctor so they can test for the presence of IBD.
People with both psoriasis and IBD may benefit from certain treatments that doctors use for both conditions. These treatments include:
- corticosteroids
- Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors
biologics - immunomodulators, which include mesalamine, thiopurines, tacrolimus, and cyclosporine, in refractory disease
PsA inflammation can affect several areas of the body, including the organs and other tissues.
Skin and nails
About 80–90% of people living with PsA will also experience nail pitting or other nail symptoms.
Eyes
Uveitis is an uncommon inflammatory disease that affects a person’s eyes and eyesight. It occurs in about
Other possible eye-related complications include conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and scleritis, among other inflammatory conditions.
Lungs
According to the Arthritis Foundation, the inflammation that PsA causes can lead to a condition called interstitial lung disease. This can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and coughing.
A 2021 paper also states that those with PsA have an increased risk of developing other conditions that affect the lungs, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Symptoms include:
- frequent wheezing or coughing
- shortness of breath
- difficulty taking a deep breath
- excess phlegm
Heart
A person living with PsA has a
Can psoriatic arthritis affect your intestines?
PsA can affect the intestines. The inflammation associated with PsA can occur in different parts of the body, including the intestines, which increases the risk of developing IBD.
It can be difficult to predict which symptoms will be the most stressful or painful for someone living with PsA, as the severity of the symptoms can vary among individuals.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, some common symptoms of PsA include:
- tender, painful, or swollen tendons
- fatigue
- reduced range of motion
- nail pitting or separation
- swelling in the toes and fingers
- joint swelling, stiffness, pain, throbbing, or tenderness
- stiffness in the morning
- pain or redness in the eyes
The severity of psoriasis does not directly affect the severity of PsA. In other words, a person may find their PsA symptoms are mild compared with their psoriasis symptoms or vice versa.
An individual may note a correlation between PsA flares and the severity of their skin or joint symptoms.
Diarrhea is not among the common symptoms of PsA. However, it is a frequent symptom of IBD.
A person with PsA who develops severe or recurring diarrhea should talk with their doctor about their symptoms. Testing can help identify or eliminate the presence of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
PsA shares a link with IBD, as both conditions involve chronic inflammation, which can affect several parts of the body.
Anyone with PsA who develops diarrhea or other IBD symptoms should seek medical advice. They can also inform a doctor if they develop additional symptoms in their eyes, skin, or other parts of the body. Treating PsA can help prevent complications and disease progression.