IBD - Difference between Ulceratice Colitis & Crohn's Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to 2 chronic diseases that cause inflammation of the intestines: Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Although the diseases have some features in common, there are some important differences.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the large intestine, in particular the colon. In ulcerative colitis the inner lining, mucosa, of the intestine becomes inflamed and develops ulcers. (Inflamed: lining of the intestinal wall reddens and swells. Ulcers: an open sore, which is a painful wound) Ulcerative colitis is often the most severe in the rectal area, which can cause frequent diarrhea. Mucus and blood often appear in the stool if the lining of the colon is damaged.

Crohn's disease differs from ulcerative colitis in the areas of the bowel it involves. Crohn’s disease most commonly affects the last part of the small intestine, known as the terminal ileum, and parts of the large intestine. However, Crohn's disease isn't limited to these areas and can attack any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Crohn's disease causes inflammation that extends much deeper into the layers of the intestinal wall than ulcerative colitis does. Crohn's disease generally tends to involve the entire bowel wall, whereas ulcerative colitis affects only the lining of the bowel.

For more general information about IBD check out The American College of Gastroenterology website: http://www.gi.org/patients/gihealth/ibd.asp