Understanding Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and IBD
Written by:
Gastroenterologist
Published: 05/12/2017
Edited by: Alex Furber
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis both come under the category of inflammatory bowel disease, but they are not the same thing. With both of these conditions on the rise worldwide, Top Doctors explains the difference between the two.
What's the difference between Crohn’s disease vs. ulcerative colitis?
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are estimated to affect around 300,000 people in the UK alone. They are the two most common forms of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and can lead to similar symptoms of:
abdominal pain; diarrhoea; continence issues, and; fatigue.
Sometimes they can lead to symptoms outside of the gastrointestinal tract such as joint pains or sore eyes.
As might you might have guessed, both diseases cause inflammation of the digestive system – but exactly which part depends on the condition.
Crohn’s disease mostly affects the last section of the small intestine (ileum) and the beginning of the large intestine (colon), but it can actually affect any part of the digestive system.
Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, causes inflammation of the rectum and the colon.
Another distinguishing feature is that whilst ulcerative colitis tends to affect a continuous section of the colon, Crohn’s disease may result in patchy areas of inflammation, leaving normal areas of gut in between.
What’s more, ulcerative colitis usually just affects the lining of the bowel, meanwhile, Crohn’s disease can cause deeper inflammation of the bowel wall.
What's the connection between smoking and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
There is evidence of a relationship between smoking and IBD. Studies have shown that smokers are at an increased risk of getting Crohn’s disease, though intriguingly, those who smoke are less likely to develop ulcerative colitis.
Milder form of ulcerative colitis
There is also some evidence to suggest that smokers suffer a milder form of ulcerative colitis – although this is disputed by other studies. The reasons behind this are not well understood and overall it is considered that the negative effects of smoking greatly outweigh the possible benefits.
What are the signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
The main symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are very similar and include altered bowel habits, diarrhoea, and faecal urgency or incontinence. This can seriously impact on a sufferer’s quality of life. Other symptoms can also include;
Abdominal pain Weight loss Fatigue Joint pain Skin problems Eye pain Fistulas
On top of this, many people experience a diminished ability to enjoy food. The symptoms of the disease can conspire to seriously impact a person’s daily routine and hamper their ability to achieve their goals.
How is inflammatory bowel disease treated?
Treatment for IBD depends on the severity of the symptoms and how much of the digestive system is affected.
Whether you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, a prompt diagnosis and careful monitoring are essential to keep things under control and maximise your quality of life. If you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, you should visit a specialist who can plan a strategy to manage your condition.
Arrange a consultation with one of Top Doctors' inflammatory bowel disease specialists here.