Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are two of the most common inflammatory bowel diseases. They both present with similar signs and symptoms, and, often times, they may be misdiagnosed because of their similarities. Abdominal pain, cramping and diarrhea are common symptoms of both diseases. However, there are characteristic differences that can be used to identify each of these diseases.
Facts About Colitis
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), February 2006, when colitis involves the entire colon, the risk of cancer may be as much as 32 times the normal rate. About half the people diagnosed with colitis have mild symptoms. Twenty percent of people with colitis have a family member or relative with colitis or Crohn's disease.
Facts About Crohn's
According to omnimedicalsearch.com, Crohn's disease is not curable with any known medical or surgical or medical method. Approximately 500,000 people in the U.S. have Crohn's disease, which affects mostly women, Caucasians and people of Jewish decent.
Crohn's Disease Differences
Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastro-intestinal tract from the oral cavity to the anus. It commonly affects the small intestines with the inflammation invading deep into the layers of the intestines. Crohn's disease also affect a younger age group than does colitis. The pain associated with Crohn's disease occurs in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. With Crohn's disease, a fever will occur during a flare up.
Colitis Differences
Colitis is restricted to the colon (large intestines) and/or the rectum and mostly affects the older age group. Colitis affects only the inner-most lining of these tissues.The pain associated with colitis occurs in the lower-left quadrant of the abdomen. With colitis, there is an ongoing fever. Frequent diarrhea with bright red blood from the rectum is also associated with colitis.
Treatment Differences
The treatment of these two diseases differs in the following ways: In severe cases of colitis, surgery may be the option of treatment. The large intestine or a portion of it may be removed. This poses difficulty for the patient, but in some cases it is the only recourse. Surgery is not an effective treatment for Crohn's disease. Identifying and eliminating foods that might be causing Crohn's disease is an effective treatment approach. Diet is usually not the cause of colitis, so this treatment would not be a good choice.
Clincal Trials
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), there are several trials being tested for the treatment of Crohn's disease as well as for colitis. Researchers are currently studying how and why the immune system is activated, how it damages the colon and the process involved in healing. Several other clinical trials for both of these diseases are in progress.
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