The two primary forms ofinflammatory bowel disease (IBD)Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitisare often lumped together.
Both include symptoms of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and an urgent need to defecate.
However, some of their characteristics are very different.
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What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?
However, there are cases where the diagnosis of one form of IBD over the other is very difficult.
Patients with IBD may be very confused as to the differences between these diseases.
If yourdiagnosisisn’t firm, don’t panic.
In about 5-20% of cases, people are diagnosed as having indeterminate colitis (IC).
The main differences between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are described below.
Appearance
During a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, a physician can view the actual inside of the colon.
Granulomas
Granulomasare inflamed cells that become lumped together to form a lesion.
Granulomas are present in Crohn’s disease, but not in ulcerative colitis.
Ulcers
Complications
In Crohn’s disease, strictures,fissures, andfistulasare not uncommon complications.
These conditions are less frequently found in cases of ulcerative colitis.
Smoking
One of the more confounding aspects of IBD is itsinteraction with cigarette smoking or tobacco.
However, there are some medications that are more effective for one form of IBD over the other.
Historically, the mainstays of treatment for ulcerative colitis include 5-ASA medications and corticosteroids.
Some medications are only approved to treat one form of IBD or the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
IBD can be difficult to differentiate between the two types.
Bleeding during bowel movements is common with UC but not Crohns.
Differences between UC and Crohns shown on colonoscopy include the locations and patterns of inflammation.
Inflammation can occur in any part of the digestive tract and commonly occurs in patches in Crohns disease.
Both forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are problematic.
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