Crohn's VS Ulcerative Colitis

The Difference Between Crohn’s, UC, and IBD

Part 1 of 5

Many people are confused when it comes to the differences between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis (UC). The short explanation is that IBD is the umbrella term for the condition under which both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis fall. But there is, of course, much more to the story.

Both Crohn’s and UC are marked by an abnormal response by the body’s immune system, and they may share some symptoms. However, there are important differences as well. These distinctions primarily include the location of the maladies in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the way each disease responds to treatment. Understanding these features is key to obtaining a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist.

Part 2 of 5

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 other autoimmune and allergic disorders, it’s believed that a lack of germ resistance development has partly 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. Oftentimes, the terms are interchangeable. Less common IBDs include:

microscopic colitisdiverticulosis-associated colitiscollagenous colitislymphocytic colitisBehçet's disease.

IBD may strike at any age. According to theMayo Clinic, most people with IBD are diagnosed before the age of 30. It’s more common:

in urban areasamong people in higher socioeconomic bracketsindustrialized countriesnorthern climatesin Caucasians as opposed to darker-skinned people and those of Asian descentin people who eat high-fat diets

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.”

Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for IBD. This is a lifelong disease, with alternating periods of remission and flare-up. Modern treatments, however, allow people to live relatively normal and productive lives.

IBD should not be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a much less serious affliction than either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. It doesn’t involve inflammation or appear to have a physiological basis.

Part 3 of 5

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease may 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).

Symptoms of Crohn's disease include:

persistent diarrheacrampy abdominal painfeveroccasional rectal bleedingfatigue

Unlike with UC, Crohn's isn't limited to the GI tract. It may also affect the skin, eyes, joints, and liver. Since symptoms usually get worse after a meal, patients with Crohn's will often experience weight loss due to food avoidance.

Crohn's disease can cause blockages of the intestine due to scarring and swelling. Ulcers (sores) in the intestinal tract may develop into tracts of their own, known as fistulas. Crohn’s disease can also increase the risk for colon cancer, which is why patients must have regular colonoscopies.

Medication is the most common way to treat Crohn's disease. The five types of drugs are:

steroidsantibioticsimmune modifiers, such as azathioprine and 6-MPaminosalicylates, such as 5-ASAbiologic therapy

Some cases may also require surgery. Still, surgery will not cure Crohn’s disease.

Part 4 of 5

Unlike Crohn's, UC is confined to the colon (large bowel) and only affects the top layers in an even distribution. Symptoms of UC include:

crampy abdominal painloose stoolsbloody stoolurgent bowelfatigueloss of appetiteanemia due to blood loss (in severe cases only)

The symptoms of UC can also vary by type. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are five kinds of UC:

acute severe UC (a rare form that causes eating difficulties)left-sided colitis (affects descending colon and rectum)pancolitis (affects the whole colon and causes persistent bloody diarrhea)proctosigmoiditis (affects lower colon and rectum)ulcerative proctitis (mildest form that affects the rectum only)

With the exception of biologic therapy, treatments for the disease are the same as for Crohn's. Unlike with Crohn's, however, most patients with UC will almost never require surgery. 

Children with the disease may not develop or grow properly. Remission periods tend to be longer with UC than with Crohn's disease, and complications are far less frequent. Still, when complications do occur, they can be severe. Left untreated, UC may lead to:

holes in the coloncolon cancerliver diseaseosteoporosisblood clots

Part 5 of 5

Diagnosing IBD

There’s no doubt that IBD can significantly decrease quality of life, between uncomfortable symptoms and frequent bathroom visits. Even worse is the fact that IBD can lead to scar tissue, and even permanent damage. If you experience any unusual symptoms, it’s important to call a doctor. You may be referred to a gastroenterologist for IBD testing, such as a colonoscopy or a CT scan. Diagnosing the right form of IBD will lead to more effective therapies.

While there’s no cure for any form of IBD, early treatment and lifestyle changes can help minimize damage and complications. Treatment will also reduce the amount of symptoms.

Copyright © 2005 - 2015 Healthline Networks, Inc. All rights reserved for Healthline. Healthline is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Terms of Use |Privacy Policy

Low Residue Diet

I've been trying to diet and lose weight lately and I ended up losing sight of what I could and couldn't eat due to my Crohn's disease. I want to eat like everyone else trying to diet. Unfortunately,  eating raw veggies is just not a realistic plan and I ended up with a small bowel obstruction because of my poor choices. So I'm heading back towards a low residue/fiber diet and I wanted to share a bit of information for everyone!

Should You Try a Low-Residue Diet?

If a doctor has diagnosed you or a loved one with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) -- like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis -- or with diverticulitis, your doctor may suggest you follow a low-residue diet.

Never heard of it? The basic idea is that you'll eat foods that are easy to digest, and you'll limit those that aren't. 

What Is a Low-Residue Diet?

It's a diet that limits high-fiber foods, such as whole-grain breads and cereals, nuts, seeds, raw or dried fruits, and vegetables.

New Way to Ease Ulcerative Colitis?

"Residue" refers to undigested food, including fiber, that make up stool. The goal of the diet is to have fewer, smaller bowel movements each day, in order to ease symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, gas, and stomach cramping.

Your doctor may recommend that you go on a low-residue diet for a short time when you're having a flare, or after surgery to help with recovery. But it's not a general eating plan for all people with IBD. 

Crohn's can make it harder for your body to absorb nutrients from food. Ask your doctor for a referral to a nutritionist who can make sure your diet plan is right for you and let you know if you need any vitamin supplements.

On a low-residue diet, you can eat:

Grains

Refined or enriched white breads and plain crackers, such as saltines or Melba toast (no seeds)Cooked cereals, such as farina, cream of wheat, and gritsCold cereals, such as puffed rice and corn flakesWhite rice, noodles, and refined pasta

Fruits and Vegetables

The skin and seeds of many fruits and vegetables are loaded with fiber, so peeling skin and avoiding seeds is part of a low-residue diet. You can eat the following vegetables on the diet:

Well-cooked fresh vegetables or canned vegetables without seeds, such as asparagus tips, beets, green beans, carrots, mushrooms, spinach, squash (no seeds), and pumpkinCooked potatoes without skinTomato sauce (no seeds)

Fruits include:

Ripe bananasSoft cantaloupeHoneydewCanned or cooked fruits without seeds or skin, such as applesauce or canned pearsAvocado

Milk and Dairy

Milk products are OK to eat in moderation. Milk has no fiber, but it may trigger symptoms such as diarrhea and cramping if you have lactose intolerance. You could use lactase supplements or eat lactose-free products.

Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on November 18, 2014

© 2014 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

Crohn's VS Me

I feel like this flare up is beating me and I refuse to let it win. I'm in a difficult position.  My fiance has court in the morning,  2 hrs away. Crohnies know how bad that is. For those of you who don't,  long drives with long distances between bathrooms are the most dreaded tasks. He supports me and my illness so much, even when it inconveniences him and I am always there for him. He wants me there so bad for support and I want to be there. But my Crohn's wants something else. I don't know what to do. I dont want the crohns to win. Its not fair. Im going to do my best to go with him. I cant let gim down, hes not sick, why should he have to suffer the consequences of MY disease??? I dont even care about myself and how im feeling. I only care about being there for him. So im sending a message to my crohns. ...BEHAVE! YOU WON'T WIN THIS ONE!!!

Please say a prayer tonight that it calms down enough for one day, just one day!!