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What's the difference between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease?

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are both chronic inflammatory conditions of the bowel. They share many symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and blood and mucus in the stools. Ulcerative colitis begins at the rectum and spreads upwards into the large intestine, but not into the small intestine. Crohn's disease mainly affects the small intestine, especially the terminal ileum and is patchy in appearance. It often leads to whole-body symptoms such as weight loss, nausea, fever and lethargy. An endoscopy and blood tests can tell one from the other.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease is a serious chronic inflammatory condition of the lining of the gut that causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and blood in the stools.

What causes Crohn's disease?

The exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown, although there are hereditary, autoimmune and lifestyle factors that increase your risk of getting it, such as having family members with the disease, being of Caucasian or Jewish descent and being a smoker. …

What are the symptoms of Crohn's disease?

Symptoms of Crohn's disease can include abdominal cramping and pain (especially after eating), frequent diarrhea, blood and mucus in the stools, loss of appetite, weight loss, tiredness and mouth ulcers. However, there are several other conditions …

What diet is best for Crohn's disease?

Every person is different in what foods affect their symptoms of Crohn's disease. Generally during an attack, increase your water intake and avoid fatty, spicy and dairy foods, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks and reduce fiber intake. Taking …

Is Crohn's disease hereditary?

Yes, there appears to be a hereditary component in Crohn's disease. People with a close relative that has the disease are more likely to develop it themselves.

Is there a cure for Crohn's disease?

There is currently no cure for Crohn's disease. However, there are treatments that will reduce the symptoms and damage to the gut. Symptoms can be controlled for long periods of time with careful management.

Is surgery for Crohn's disease necessary?

Surgery for Crohn's disease is usually reserved for severe cases where complications such as fistulas, strictures (narrowing of the gut) or large abscesses have formed. It is used when other therapies have failed.

Can Crohn's disease turn into cancer?

It is uncommon for Crohn's disease to result in cancer, particularly if it is being treated effectively.

What treatments are available for Crohn's disease?

The main treatments for Crohn's disease are anti-inflammatory medications, which aim to reduce inflammation in the bowel and prevent complications such as ulcers and strictures, and immunosuppressant medications, which reduce the immune …

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About this article

Author: Karen McCloskey BHSc
First answered: 23 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Votes: 1084 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Ulcerative colitis

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