Q&A with a gastroenterologist: Crohn's disease vs. Ulcerative colitis

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are often confused due to their similar symptoms; however, their differences are key to getting patients the most effective treatment. To help us better understand these inflammatory conditions, Abdo M. Saad, MD, Gastroenterology, explains what sets these conditions apart.

Watch the video: Q&A with a gastroenterologist: Crohn's disease vs. Ulcerative colitis

Crohn's disease is a lifelong condition in which parts of the digestive system become swollen and develop deep sores called ulcers. Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the lining of the large intestine, also known as the colon.

Many of the symptoms of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are similar, although they differ to a certain extent. For example, they both cause diarrhea, but it's more common with ulcerative colitis. Both can also cause blood in the stools, but that doesn't happen as often in ulcerative colitis.

One of the primary distinctions is the location and pattern of inflammation. For ulcerative colitis, the inflammation is mainly superficial, affecting only the innermost lining of the bowel and is limited to the colon, extending through to the appendix. Other parts of the bowel—that is, from the mouth to the small intestine—are not affected.

This is in contrast to Crohn's disease, where inflammation can affect any part of the GI tract, including the stomach, small bowel, or colon. Another key difference is the depth and extent to which the inflammation reaches the wall of the bowel. It may extend through the full thickness of the bowel wall, from the inner lining (mucosa) to the outer layers (serosa). Stomach pain and bowel obstruction are also more likely to happen with Crohn's disease.
 

Find care

All these differences have major implications on the complications the patient can have, and the medications that we choose for their treatment. To learn more about treatment options for inflammatory bowel conditions, visit our website here. If you need help scheduling an appointment or establishing care with a gastroenterologist, our Access Center can assist you. Call us anytime at 877-PPG-TODAY (877-774-8632) for assistance.