Crohn’s Disease vs. UC: Exploring Different Types of IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease

IBD was seldom seen before the rise of improved hygiene and urbanization at the beginning of the 20th century.

Today, it’s still found mainly in developed countries such as the United States. Like otherautoimmuneandallergicdisorders, it’s believed that a loss of certain gut bacteria has partially contributed to diseases such as IBD.

In people with IBD, the immune system mistakes food, bacteria, or other materials in the GI tract for foreign substances and responds by sending white blood cells into the lining of the bowels.

The result of the immune system’s attack is chronic inflammation. The word “inflammation” itself comes from the Greek word for “flame.” It literally means “to be set on fire.”

Crohn’s and UC are the most common forms of IBD. Less common IBDs include:

• microscopic colitis
• diverticulosis-associated colitis
• collagenous colitis
• lymphocytic colitis
• Behçet’s disease

IBD can develop at any age. Many with IBD receive a diagnosis before theage of 35, but it can be diagnosed later in life. Although the demographics of IBD are changing, it can be more common in:

• people in higher socioeconomic brackets
• people who are white
• people who eat high-fat diets

It’s also more common in the following environments:

• industrialized countries
• northern climates
• urban areas

Aside from environmental factors, genetic factors are believed to play a strong role in the development of IBD. Therefore, it’s considered to be a “complex disorder.”

For many forms of IBD, there’s no cure. Treatment is centered around management of symptoms with remission as a goal. For most, it’s a lifelong disease, with alternating periods of remission and flare-up.

Modern treatments, however, allow people to live relatively normal and active lives.

IBD shouldn’t be confused with肠易激综合症(IBS). While some symptoms may be similar at times, the source and course of the conditions differ quite significantly.

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s diseasemay affect any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus, although it’s most often found at the end of the small intestine (small bowel) and the beginning of the colon (large bowel).

Symptomsof Crohn’s disease can include:

• frequent diarrhea
• occasional constipation
• abdominal pain
• fever
• blood in the stool
• fatigue
• skin conditions
• 乔int pain
• malnutrition
• weight loss
• fistulas

Crohn’s isn’t limited to the GI tract. It may also affect the skin, eyes,乔ints, and liver. Since symptoms usually get worse after a meal, people with Crohn’s will often experienceweight lossdue to food avoidance.

Crohn’s disease can causeblockages of the intestinefrom scarring and swelling.Ulcers(sores) in the intestinal tract may develop into tracts of their own, known asfistulas.

Crohn’s disease can also increase the risk ofcolon cancer, which is why people living with the condition must have regularcolonoscopies.

Medicationis the most common way to treat Crohn’s disease. The five types of drugs are:

• steroids (on a temporary basis)
• antibiotics(if infections or fistulas cause abscesses)
• immunomodulators, such asazathioprineand 6-MP
• aminosalicylates, such as 5-ASA
• 生物治疗

Some cases may also requiresurgery, although surgery won’t cure Crohn’s disease.

Ulcerative colitis

Unlike Crohn’s,ulcerative colitisis confined to the colon (large bowel) and only affects the mucosa and submucosa (top layers) in an even distribution.Symptoms of UCinclude:

• abdominal pain
• loose stools
• bloody stool
• urgency of bowel movement
• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• malnutrition

The symptoms of UC can also vary by type. According to theCrohn’s & Colitis Foundation, there are three kinds of UC based on location:

• Left-sided colitis:This typeaffects the descending colon and rectum.
• Ulcerative proctitis:The mildest form of UC, it affects the rectum only.
• Extensive colitis:This type of UC affects the entire colon.

All of the medications used for Crohn’s are often used for UC as well. Surgery, however, is used more frequently in UC and is considered to be a cure for the condition. This is because UC is only limited to the colon, and if the colon is removed, so is the disease.

The colon is very important though, so surgery is still considered a last resort. It’s typically only considered when remission is difficult to reach and other treatments have been unsuccessful.

Whencomplicationsdo occur, they can be severe. Left untreated, UC may lead to:

• perforation (holes in the colon)
• colon cancer
• liver disease
• osteoporosis
• anemia

Getting to a diagnosis

There’s no doubt that IBD can significantly decrease quality of life, between uncomfortable symptoms and frequent bathroom visits. IBD can even lead to scar tissue and increase the risk of colon cancer.

If you experience any unusual symptoms, it’s important to call your doctor. You may be referred to a gastroenterologist for IBD testing, such as acolonoscopy,sigmoidoscopy, or aCT scan. Your doctor may also orderblood and fecal testing. Diagnosing the specific form of IBD will lead to more effective therapies.

Commitment to daily treatment and lifestyle changes can help minimize symptoms, achieve remission, and avoid complications.

Regardless of your diagnosis, Healthline’s free app, IBD Healthline, can connect you with people who understand. Meet others living with Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis through one-on-one messaging and live group discussions. Plus, you’ll have expert-approved information on managing IBD at your fingertips. Download the app foriPhoneorAndroid.