|  | Conditions Treatments | Digestive Health

About Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are both categorized as inflammatory bowel diseases. Both diseases usually appear in people between the ages of 13 and 30. Crohn's and colitis can cause over 100 other problems and may significantly increase the risk of cancer, so sufferers should keep in regular contact with their doctor.

  1. Crohn's Disease

    • Most commonly occurring in the small intestine and colon, Crohn's disease is believed to be an autoimmune disorder. Crohn's is a chronic, inflammation-causing disorder and can appear anywhere in the digestive system.

    Ulcerative Colitis

    • Also thought to be an autoimmune disorder, ulcerative colitis causes the intestinal lining to develop ulcers that may bleed or emit pus. Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon and large intestine.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are so alike that it is not always possible to differentiate between them. These symptoms are often intermittent and include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloody stool, appetite loss, fever and fatigue.

    Treatment

    • There is no cure for Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. In both conditions, medication is used to control inflammation and send the disease into remission. Other medications are then used to help periods of remission last as long as possible.

    Surgery?

    • Surgery may be necessary in Crohn's disease to treat intestinal blockage or repair cracks, called fistulas, in intestinal and surrounding tissue. In colitis, surgery can be used to alleviate symptoms by removing pieces of intestine. About 2/3 of all Crohn's disease patients will require surgery at some point.

    Warning

    • It is important to note that Crohn's disease often comes back after surgery. Surgeries for both Crohn's and ulcerative colitis may result in the need for an ileostomy bag.

    Famous Ties

    • George W. Bush's White House press secretary Tony Snow suffered from ulcerative colitis. Crohn's disease sufferers include actress Shannon Doherty, Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready and former president Dwight D. Eisenhower. Jacksonville Jaguar quarterback David Garrard also has Crohn's disease.

Digestive Health - Related Articles