What are the Difference Between Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis?

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Crohn's And Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are both classifications of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn's and UC have similarities including the symptoms commonly associated with IBD, but GI pathways affected, disease state, and treatment are not the same.

People often get confused about what inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is, the relation of Crohn's disease, and the relation of ulcerative colitis (UC).

To be brief, IBD is the main umbrella term for both Crohn's disease and UC. So then Crohn's disease and UC can both be considered types of IBD, but the full story is more complicated.

Both Crohn's and UC indicate an abnormal immune reaction from the body's immune response and can have similarities in symptoms, but there are some noteworthy distinctions, especially around where specifically in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract each of the conditions appear, and how each condition is treated.

This article describes the primary differences of Crohn's and UC, from symptoms, complications, and treatment.

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Understanding inflammatory bowel disease

IBD occurs primarily in developed countries like the US. It is thought, like in many autoimmune and allergic conditions, that a loss of certain gut bacteria is a contributing factor to diseases such as IBD.

There are also potentially large genetic associations in the development of IBD.

In people with IBD, the immune system misidentifies the GI tract as a threat and begins to attack it causing chronic inflammation.

IBD includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC).

In most types of IBD, there is not a true cure. Treatment is focused on symptom control, and remission. For many it is a chronic illness associated with alternating periods of remission and active illness.

However, current treatments can allow a person to maintain a fairly normal and active life.

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Understanding Crohn’s Disease: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the mouth to the anus, but is most often found at the terminal part of the small intestine (small bowel) and the initial part of the colon (large bowel).

Symptoms

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can include:

• daily diarrhea

• occasional constipation

• abdominal pain

• fever

• blood in stool

• fatigue

• skin problems

• joint pain

• malnutrition

• weight loss

• fistulas

Crohn’s disease is not just limited to the GI tract. It can also affect, skin, eyes, joints, and liver. Many people with Crohn’s disease would lose weight, since eating usually magnifies the symptoms.

Complications

Crohn’s disease will result in blockage of the intestine due to scarring and inflammation. Ulcers (sores) in the intestinal tract can develop into their own pathways, called fistulas.

In addition, having Crohn's disease is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer if more than one third of the colon is affected. If less than one third is affected, or if the disease is limited to the small intestine, then there is no increased risk of colon cancer.

Treatment

The primary method of treatment for Crohn's disease is medication. There are four types of medications: steroids (for short term use), antibiotics (for infection or abscess related to fistulas), immunomodulators (azathioprine and 6-MP), and biologic therapy. In certain circumstances, surgery may be appropriate, although surgery is not a cure for Crohn's disease.

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Understanding Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis: Key Differences and Common Features Illustrated.

Understanding ulcerative colitis: Symptoms, complications, and treatment

In contrast to Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis (UC) only affects the colon (large intestine), and involves the mucosa and submucosa (the upper layers), uniformly.

Symptoms

The symptoms associated with UC usually include:

• abdominal pain

• loose stools

• bloody stool

• an intense urge to have a bowel movement

• fatigue

• loss of appetite

• weight loss

• malnutrition

The symptoms of UC can also vary by type. According to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, there are three types of UC based on where it is located.

• Left-sided colitis - this type affects the rectum and sigmoid colon, and sometimes the descending colon.

• Ulcerative proctitis - the mildest type of UC, which only affects the rectum.

• Extensive colitis - this type affects the entire colon.

Complications

The complications can be severe, especially if left untreated. If UC goes untreated, it can result in:

• perforation (holes in the colon)

• colon cancer

• liver disease

• osteoporosis

• anemia

Treatment

Surgery is considerably more common in Crohn's disease than in UC, with 50% to 80% of Crohn's patients undergoing surgery opposed to 10% to 30% of UC patients.

The colon serves an important purpose within the body. Therefore, surgery is a last option and typically a last resort when remission cannot be achieved and because other treatment options have been exhausted.

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What is the way that doctors determine if a person has Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which consists of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, poses a serious threat to quality of life due to unpleasant symptoms and constant restroom trips. IBD can also lead to formation of scar tissue, and an increased chance of colon cancer.

If you notice any unusual symptoms, please message your physician for additional information. You will likely be referred to a gastroenterologist to evaluate you for IBD, which may include colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or CT imaging. Your physician may also order laboratory tests through blood and stool testing.

The diagnosis of IBD versus a specific diagnosis of either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can help you obtain better treatments.

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Conclusion

Committing to ongoing treatment and lifestyle changes can help achieve symptom control, remission, and could prevent complications.

Support groups offer an avenue to connect with those who are also managing this condition. Use the following resources to learn about IBS and possible support networks:

• IBS Patient Support Group

• IBS Network Support Groups

• International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders

Healthline’s resource center: IBD Healthline; its app is also free of charge for joining those you can relate to. You will have the opportunity to connect with others living with Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis through private messaging and live group meetings. You'll have expert-verified information on managing IBD at your fingertips.