What is Crohn's Disease?
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract. It can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly impacts the small intestine and colon. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary widely and can include severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in stool, weight loss, fatigue, and malnutrition. The inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can also lead to complications such as strictures, abscesses, fistulas, and bowel obstructions.
While its exact cause remains unknown, Crohn’s disease is thought to be triggered by a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Medications such as immunosuppressants, biologics, and corticosteroids are commonly used to manage Crohn's disease; however, some individuals may not respond well to these treatments or experience relapses.
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulceration in the innermost lining of the colon and rectum. Unlike Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, ulcerative colitis is limited to the large intestine and typically begins in the rectum, spreading upward in a continuous pattern.
Symptoms can range in severity and often include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, blood in the stool, urgency with bowel movements, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss. Inflammation from ulcerative colitis may also lead to complications such as anemia, dehydration, and increased risk of colon cancer over time.