Disease Information
Crohn’s disease and colitis are often collectively called Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). They can be easily confused because both have similar symptoms and treatments. The following table provides a little background about Crohn’s and colitis that will help distinguish the two diseases.
| Disease Information |
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) |
Crohn's Disease |
| What is it? |
Colitis is when there is inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine (colon). The inflammation that occurs is often continuous and does not affect the deeper layers of the intestinal wall.
See image. |
It is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It can occur anywhere in the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus and any layer of the intestinal wall. Ulcers can also occur and are often surrounded by inflammation.
See image. |
| What causes it? |
These diseases are caused by an interaction between the patient’s immune system and the environment. It seems that the immune system in patients with IBD “overreacts” to proteins on the surface of gut bacteria. Many of the immune responses are determined by the person’s genes. Therefore, IBD is a combined effect of a person’s immune system, bacteria of the gut, and the person’s genetic background. |
| What are the symptoms? |
- Diarrhea, which is sometimes bloody
- Stomach cramps/abdominal pain
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Vomiting/nausea
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The symptoms of Crohn’s are similar to UC. The difference is that diarrhea may or may not be present in Crohn’s, but it is almost always present at some time in the course of UC. Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting can be present in either Crohn’s or UC, but are more common in Crohn’s. Also, complications such as strictures are more common in Crohn’s and only Crohn’s patients develop fistulas.
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| What are the long-term complications? |
Complications of UC - see image
Colon cancer - once you've had UC for 8-10 years your risk of colon cancer is greater than the general population. The actual risk is lower than we previously thought but should be discussed with your doctor.
Perforation - rarely, a severe case of UC will cause thinning of the bowel wall to the point of perforation. This usually requires immediate surgery. |
Complications of Crohn's - see image
Fistulas – abnormal connection with other parts of the intestine or other organs
Abscess - a localized collection of pus in any part of the body that is surrounded by swelling (inflammation)
Bowel obstruction – blockage of the intestine
Stricture – narrowing of the intestine
Colon cancer - patients with Crohn's disease in their colon have an increased risk of colon cancer, similar to patients with UC. Other cancers may also be more common, like lymphomas.
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| Additional Symptoms |
Here are some other symptoms that can occur that doctors refer to as extraintestinal manifestations:
-Back stiffness
-Arthritis (joint pain and swelling)
-Skin rashes
-Eye pain and redness
-Mouth sores/ulcers
You may get some or all the symptoms, which are not always present. You might only show signs or symptoms when there is active disease and you are going through a flare up. |
| Who has it? |
About 1.4 million Americans have Crohn’s or colitis. Diagnosis usually occurs between the ages of 15 and 35, but both diseases can affect all ages, both male and female. Currently there are about 30,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States. |
| Is it hereditary? |
About 15%-20% of people have relatives with either Crohn’s or colitis. There are no separate disease-susceptible genes identified for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. |
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