WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CROHN'S DISEASE AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS?
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the two main diseases that are known as IBD or Inflammatory Bowel Disease. While they often respond to the same or similar diets and medications, there are important differences, particularly in the complications that can arise, surgery that might be performed and their long-term needs.
| Crohn's Disease | Ulcerative Colitis | |
| Fistula | Occurs | Does not occur |
| Stricture | Can lead to blockage | Rare |
| Arthritis | 20 % | 11 % |
| Skin Problems | 8-15 % | 3-10 % |
| Liver disease | 1 % | 3 % |
| Smoking | Makes much worse | Less effect |
| Surgery | May mean more surgery later | Removes disease* |
| Cancer | Occurs | Common when uncontro lled** |
| In children | More severe disease | More extensive disease*** |
| In children | Growth issues are increased | Growth issues occur |
* After surgery, some patients thought to have UC, are found to have had Crohn's disease
** With newer therapies, cancer risk from the disease seems to be less
*** More of the large intestine is involved compared to adults
Fortunately, the symptoms, location and certain patterns of the disease help doctors tell the difference.
| Crohn's Disease | Ulcerative Colitis | |
| Abdominal Pain | +++ | +++ |
| Diarrhea | ++ | +++ |
| Rectal Bleeding | + | +++ |
| Perianal Disease | ++ | – |
| Weight loss | +++ | + |
| Location | Entire GI tract | Mainly limited to colon |
| Disease character | Patchy, can have deep ulcers | More on the surface layers |
This article, as well as all others, was reviewed and edited by a member of our Medical Advisory Board.
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