Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD)

Both Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD) are types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), but they can affect different parts of the digestive tract and cause somewhat different symptoms.

Differences between UC and CD:

▪️ Location of Inflammation:

UC: Innermost lining of the colon and rectum only (large intestine)

CD: Anywhere in the digestive tract, "from mouth to bum"

 

▪️Pattern of Inflammation:

UC: Continuous inflammation

CD: Patches of inflammation found in large sections

 

▪️Appearance & Location of Pain:

UC:

Ulcers penetrate inner lining of abdomen only

Typically in lower left abdomen

Bleeding during bowel movements

 

CD:

Ulcers penetrate entire thickness of abdominal lining

Typically in lower right abdomen

Mouth or GI ulcers

 

▪️Signs & Symptoms:

UC:

Urgent need to defecate

Loss of weight due to severe diarrhea

Formation of polyps

Abdominal cramping

 

CD:

Loss of weight due to severe diarrhea

Fissures with anal bleeding

May form abscess, fistula, or strictures

Abdominal bloating