Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis fall under the category of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD has a genetic component, often running in families, and is related to immune system dysfunction. Both conditions share similar signs and symptoms:
- Abdominal cramping pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Tenesmus (urgent need for a bowel movement)
- Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Irregular periods or rectal bleeding with periods
Crohn’s Disease vs. Ulcerative Colitis: Key Differences
- Crohn’s Disease: Involves inflammation throughout the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. It can cause mouth sores, anal tears, ulcers, infections, and intestinal narrowing. The inflammation is patchy, with areas of healthy tissue between inflamed areas.
- Ulcerative Colitis: Affects only the colon (large intestine) and rectum, causing continuous inflammation and ulcers in the colon’s inner lining. It is more likely to cause bright red rectal bleeding.
Crohn’s Disease vs. Ulcerative Colitis: Diagnosis
- Colonoscopy: Both conditions are diagnosed using colonoscopy. Ulcerative colitis shows continuous inflammation, while Crohn’s disease shows patchy inflammation.
- Endoscopy: Used for Crohn’s disease to detect inflammation in the upper digestive tract.
Treatment for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
- Aminosalicylates: Reduce inflammation in the digestive tract lining and may also alleviate arthritis associated with IBD.
- Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine)
- 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) drugs like Delzicol (mesalamine), Salofalk (mesalazine), Dipentum (osalazine), Colazal (balsalazide)
- Corticosteroids: Anti-inflammatory medications.
- Prednisone
- Medrol (methylprednisolone)
- Immunomodulators: Suppress the immune system from attacking the digestive tract.
- Imuran (azathioprine)
- Purinethol (6-mercaptopurine)
- Sandimmune (cyclosporine)
- Prograf (tacrolimus)
- Rheumatrex (methotrexate)
- Biologics: Antibodies targeting proteins that cause inflammation.
- Humira (adalimumab)
- Amjevita (adalimumab-atto)
Treating Crohn’s Disease vs. Ulcerative Colitis With QuickMD
Did you know?QuickMD can refill your IBD medications remotely via telemedicine and prescribe prednisone or other medications online.
Disclaimer
Articles on this website are meant for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Do not delay care because of the content on this site. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call your doctor immediately or call 911 (if within the United States). This blog and its content are the intellectual property of QuickMD LLC and may not be copied or used without permission.
QuickMD has strict referencing policies and relies on reputable sources, including peer-reviewed research, clinical guidelines, medical organizations, and government and public health agencies, among others. Learn more about how we ensure accuracy in our content by reading our editorial guidelines.
