Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Ulcerative Colitis vs. Crohn's Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term that includes a number of conditions characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, all of which can cause permanent damage if not diagnosed and treated properly. Two of the most common forms of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Currently, it is unknown what risk factors lead to IBD, but age, family history of the disease and smoking may play a role.

Many digestive health problems can be managed by your primary care provider. Find a provider accepting new patients. If necessary, he or she can refer you to one of our board-certified gastroenterologists.

IBD Symptoms

No matter which condition is present, symptoms for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are similar. The most common symptoms include the following:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloody stools and/or rectal bleeding
• Diarrhea
• Frequent fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

People with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are also at greater risk of developing anemia, which can lead to fatigue, dizziness, irritability and feeling cold.

Ulcerative Colitis vs. Crohn’s Disease

Though causing similar symptoms, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are distinct conditions that affect different parts of the GI tract and must be diagnosed with different tests.

Ulcerative colitis affects the colon and rectum, with inflammation found only in the colon’s innermost layer. Because of its location, ulcerative colitis is diagnosed with a colonoscopy. During this procedure, a thin flexible tube known as a colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and guided to the digestive tract. A tiny camera on the end gives physicians a clear view of any disease in the colon or rectum.

Crohn’s disease, on the other hand, typically affects the small intestine (also known as the small bowel), though it can be found anywhere in the GI tract. For diagnosis, an upper endoscopy and/or colonoscopy may be necessary.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment

Unfortunately, there currently is no cure for ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. However, those living with IBD can live full and healthy lives. And with ongoing research, improved treatments are constantly being tested and approved for use.

Treatment for IBD generally focuses on relieving the associated inflammation. This often begins with dietary changes. There is no single diet or eating pattern that helps people with IBD, so working with a registered dietitian at Beaufort Memorial can help patients identify the foods that trigger IBD symptoms and develop a nutrition plan that fits with their tastes and lifestyle. Understanding how the body responds to certain foods helps fend off flare-ups and ensures optimal overall health.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are also helpful in calming inflammation and bringing relief. When used appropriately, medication can lead to long-term remission of symptoms. Finding the best medical treatment may require patients to go through a series of medications until determining which one works best and causes the fewest side effects.

In cases when medication and changes to diet aren’t sufficient, surgical intervention may become necessary. In surgery for Crohn’s disease, for example, the diseased part of the GI tract is removed and the healthy parts are reconnected. This offers long-term symptomatic relief but may have to be repeated in the future as the disease progresses.

Living with IBD can be difficult. To deal with the mental strain IBD places on an individual, it is often helpful for those suffering from IBD to seek the services of a mental health professional.

Have you or a loved one received a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease? Download our free guide, Living With IBD and IBS.