Delayed growth
This symptom is specific to young boys and girls, especially in their teenage years. In young people with IBD, delayed growth and puberty may occur, and this is seen more often with Crohn’s disease than ulcerative colitis. Poor growth and poor weight gain are common symptoms of ulcerative colitis in young people. Reasons for this include not feeling hungry, difficulty absorbing food, aversion to eating due to symptoms and pain, and some medications.
Delayed growth continues to be a problem for 7% to 27% of children, even after treatment begins. Fortunately, therapy with newer drugs appears to help children with ulcerative colitis hit average heights.