Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Treatment of Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis have a couple of things in common. Both are marked by an abnormal response by the body's immune system to microbes - normal intestinal bacteria - resulting in chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, and both can be painful and debilitating and sometimes may lead to life-threatening complications.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are separate inflammatory bowel diseases, but are generally grouped together because of their similar symptoms: fever, abdominal pain (sometimes excruciating), loss of appetite, weight loss, and diarrhea accompanied by rectal bleeding and dehydration. Because of such similar symptoms, it's sometimes difficult for a doctor to quickly diagnose which disease a patient has.

The cause of these diseases is primarily theory. Scientists have determined that flare-ups seem to be more frequent in the spring and the fall, and the most common age of onset is 20 years old. Males and females seem to be affected similarly, but Caucasians have a higher risk of developing one disease or the other. According to a recent study by the Mayo Clinic, as many as 200 in every 100,000 people are affected by inflammatory bowel disease.

Despite the similarities in symptoms and prevalence, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis affect the digestive tract differently.

Crohn's disease can cause inflammation anywhere along the digestive tract, from inside the mouth to the anus. However, the most common form affects the lower end of the small intestine and the colon. Ulcerative colitis usually affects only the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Crohn's disease sufferers typically have sudden abdominal pain after eating, diarrhea, and weight loss. The abdomen may also be very tender as a result of the inflammation. Those with ulcerative colitis usually have more rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and cramping without a bowel movement, or instances of diarrhea several times a day. The abdomen may be distended and tender, as well.