How Do Chron’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Differ?
To differentiate between inflammatory bowel disease or IBD, ulcerative colitis (EU) and Crohn's disease, many individuals are confused. The short explanation is that both Crohn's disease and UC fall within the umbrella of IBD. However, there is a lot more to the storey, of course.
Crohn and UC both have an abnormal immune system response and are susceptible to symptoms.
There are, however, also significant differences. These differences mainly include the location of diseases in the GI tract and the treatment response of each disease. Understanding these features is crucial to a gastroenterologist's accurate diagnosis.
Chron’s Disease
The Crohn’s disease may affect any part of the mouth-to-anus GI tract, although it is found most commonly in the small intestines (small bowels) and the colon beginnings (large bowels).
Crohn's disease symptoms may include:
Diarrhea
Constipation
Pain of the abdomen.
Fever
Stool blood
Tiredness.
Skin problem
Malnourishment;
Loss of weight
Fistulas
Ulcerative Colitis
In contrast to Crohn, ulcerative colitis is confined to the colon (large bowel) and has an even distribution of only the top layers. Include UC symptoms:
Pain of the abdomen.
Blood in stool
Emergency bowel movement
Tiredness.
Appetite loss
Loss of weight
Malnourishment
Treatment and Diagnosis
If you have a change in bowel habit or start showing signs of inflammatory bowel disease, a meeting with your gastroenterologist is important, who will diagnose the exact problem and develop a plan.
While the signs of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease sometimes differ significantly, the two conditions are common to other symptoms, like pain and diarrhea. That is why your best gastroenterologist will conduct diagnostic tests to find out the cause of your symptoms.
Treatments are very similar for both conditions and may include:
Drugs for the treatment of bowel inflammation
Changes in diet
Changes to lifestyle, such as regular training and reduced stress
Immunomodulation devices.
Medication against diarrhea.
Antibiotics
The correct course of therapy will depend on whether your symptoms are serious, how much your intestines have been damaged and how you reacted to past therapies. The best gastroenterologist works with you to find an effective treatment that meets your lifestyle and goals. See us at Digestive Disease Specialists in OKC to treat any of your digestive problems from the core.
**Disclaimer: This blog content does not offer a doctor's advice and creates no relationship between any patient and care provider.
