What are the Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease Differences?
Ulcerative Colitis vs Crohn’s Disease: Understanding Key Differences
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, includes long-term inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. According to research, approximately 1.6 million people in the U.S. live with IBD.
The harmful effects of inflammatory bowel disease extend beyond the gastrointestinal tract.
It is crucial to differentiate between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease because specific treatment can help manage symptoms effectively and prevent IBD from hampering your quality of life.
Read ahead for a comprehensive idea of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and their key differences.
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease, a chronic condition that inflames and causes wounds (ulcers) in the inner layer of the large intestine.
What is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. It's a chronic condition that can inflame any part of the digestive tract, though it typically affects the small intestine and sometimes the upper part of the large intestine. Crohn’s disease involves the innermost regions of the gut wall.
What is the Difference Between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease Symptoms?
Though many symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are similar, some symptoms are different and unique to each condition.
These are represented in the table below :
| Ulcerative Colitis | Crohn’s Disease |
| Affects the colon continuously from the rectum proximally, sometimes involving the entire colon (pancolitis). | Can affect any gut region from mouth to anus |
| Lower left abdominal pain | Lower right abdominal pain |
| Pronounced rectal bleeding and bloody stools | Lesser rectal bleeding and bloody stools |
| Perforated colon, colon cancer, and weak bones as complications | Mouth ulcers, anal fissures, fistulas, skin problems, joint pain, weak bones and eye problems as complications |
| Ulcerative Colitis | Crohn’s Disease |
| The colon is thinned due to continuous inflammation | The colon is thickened due to mixed patches of normal and inflamed tissue |
| No granulomas | Granuloma lesions present |
What is the Difference Between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease in Appearance?
The appearance of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can differ in the following ways:
| Ulcerative Colitis | Crohn’s Disease |
| Treated with aminosalicylates or 5-ASAs | Aminosalicylates or 5-ASAs are not used (if only the small intestine is affected) |
| Drug Colazal is uniquely used for treatment | Drug Cimzia is uniquely used for treatment |
| Surgery in lesser cases | Surgery in the majority of cases |
| Surgical removal of most of the inflamed colon | Surgical removal of any inflamed regions of the gut |
How Does Smoking Affect Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease?
Smoking can be harmful to Crohn’s disease. It can lead to flares, causing relapses and increasing the risk of surgery. On the contrary, While smoking delays UC onset (nicotine may suppress mucosal immunity), it worsens disease course post-diagnosis. Smoking cessation is advised for all IBD patients..
What are the Differences Between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease Treatment Methods?
There are some differences in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease treatment methods. Those are discussed in the table below :
| Ulcerative Colitis | Crohn’s Disease |
| Treated with aminosalicylates or 5-ASAs | Aminosalicylates or 5-ASAs are not used (if only the small intestine is affected) |
| Drug Colazal is uniquely used for treatment | Drug Cimzia is uniquely used for treatment |
| Surgery in lesser cases | Surgery in the majority of cases |
| Surgical removal of most of the inflamed colon | Surgical removal of any inflamed regions of the gut |
Though ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are chronic illnesses, early diagnosis and proper treatment can help manage and prevent the recurrence of symptoms. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for a customized treatment plan as per your needs.
Contact Star Health Insurance to ensure quality treatment and financial assistance. Our health insurance provides coverage for inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease under specific terms and conditions.
Call us now for further assistance!
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This FAQ page contains information for general purpose only and has no medical or legal advice. For any personalized advice, do refer company's policy documents or consult a licensed health insurance agent. T & C apply. For further detailed information or inquiries, feel free to reach out via email at marketing.d2c@starhealth.in