$Unique_ID{BRK01367}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{The Difference Between Inflammatory Bowel and Crohn's Disease}
$Subject{colitis Crohn's}
$Volume{I-12}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Difference Between Inflammatory Bowel and Crohn's Disease


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  My husband has just been diagnosed as having Crohn's disease, but
in talking over the situation with some concerned friends we became involved
in a discussion that has us a bit confused.  Could you please explain the
difference between these two diseases?  How do you tell them apart?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Both problems fall under the heading of inflammatory bowel disease.
The two conditions are similar in some ways but very different in others.  The
first symptoms of ulcerative colitis are often rectal bleeding and diarrhea.
In fact, 98 percent of people with ulcerative colitis experience bright red
rectal bleeding.  Early symptoms of Crohn's disease are chronic diarrhea,
weight loss and abdominal pain.  Both problems present themselves differently
at times, and diagnosing them is sometimes a challenge.
     The real difference between the two diseases is the way they affect the
bowel wall and what portion of the bowel they attack.  Ulcerative colitis
almost always involves the end of the colon and rectum, swelling the mucous
lining of the bowel and creating a grainy bowel surface.  The surface bleeds
easily, creating the bright red rectal bleeding that is the most common
symptom of ulcerative colitis.  Persons with ulcerative colitis develop cancer
of the colon ten times more often than persons who do not have the problem.
     Crohn's disease affects any part of the digestive tract, but most
frequently the right colon and the ileum.  The inflammation causes little
benign tumors called granulomas throughout the affected area.  It's common to
have healthy parts of the digestive tract in between diseased parts.
     The diseases are treated similarly, with medication, good nutrition,
steroids and possibly surgery to remove damaged bowel.
ÿ
----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
