Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis- Distinguishing the Difference Between Two Forms of IBD

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is the medical term used to describe chronic inflammation within the digestive tract. It is typically observed in one of two main forms: ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease . While these two diseases often have similar symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fatigue and weight loss, they each have defining characteristics that can help patients and physicians differentiate between them. Distinguishing and recognizing these differences is crucial when it comes to reaching the appropriate diagnosis and finding the most effective form of treatment.

Characteristics of Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease causes the tissues in the digestive tract to become inflamed, with the location and severity of the inflammation differing from one case to the next. The symptoms Crohn’s produces can range from mild to severe and typically develop gradually. They may include bloody stool, cramping, nausea, fever, sudden weight-loss, and diarrhea.

Characteristics of Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Ulcerative colitis is another common form of IBD. Like Crohn’s it also causes painful inflammation in the digestive tract. However, UC also produces ulcers and occurs primarily in the lining of the large intestine, or colon. Symptoms include many of those of Crohn’s along with other potential signs such as heavy amounts of blood or pus in the stool and an inability to produce a bowel movement despite feeling an urgency to go.

Similarities between Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

In addition to causing inflammation of the digestive tract and having many of the same symptoms, there are a few other factors that are common between Crohn’s and UC. Both diseases:

• Can develop at any age but most often occur in teens and young adults
  
• Occur at equal rates between both women and men
  
• Have unknown causes but are believed to be connected to factors such as the body’s immune responses and genetics
  

Differences between Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

While the similarities between Crohn’s and UC can make it difficult for patients to tell the difference, there are a few key differences which a physician can help identify. These include:

• Location – Crohn’s can occur anywhere along the digestive tract from the mouth to the rectum. Ulcerative colitis, however, is confined strictly to the large intestine, or colon.
  
• Type of Inflammation – UC causes an inflammation in the colon that is continuous. Crohn’s, on the other hand, causes inflammation that it is interspersed with sections of healthy tissue.
  
• Pervasiveness – Just as Crohn’s can occur anywhere in the digestive tract, it can also occur in any of the layers of the colon. UC, however, is found only within the innermost lining.
  

If you are demonstrating signs of IBD, you may be wondering exactly which condition is involved and what your next steps should be. It is important to seek medical treatment immediately to both answer these questions, and to ensure that no other, major health concerns are involved. Contact a gastroenterology practice such as Digestive Diseases Center, and schedule an appointment with a skilled gastroenterologist who has expertise in the identification and treatment of all forms of IBD.