Fact 3: Distinguishing from Ulcerative Colitis
To the casual observer, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis might appear synonymous. Both fall under the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) umbrella, and both wreak havoc on the digestive tract. But a deeper dive reveals distinct differences. While ulcerative colitis targets primarily the colon, Crohn’s is more indiscriminate, with any part of the digestive system from mouth to rectum fair game.
One key difference lies in the depth of tissue affected. Ulcerative colitis tends to stay on the surface, inflaming only the innermost lining of the colon. In contrast, Crohn’s can, and often does, affect multiple layers of the bowel wall. This depth can play a significant role in both symptoms experienced and the potential complications that can arise.
While both diseases share common symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain, there are nuanced differences. For instance, Crohn’s might lead to symptoms outside the digestive system, such as skin disorders, arthritis, and inflammation in the eyes. These extraintestinal manifestations further complicate diagnosis and treatment protocols.
Both conditions are characterized by periods of flares and remission. However, the pattern of inflammation in the digestive tract differs. Ulcerative colitis presents a continuous stretch of inflammation, while Crohn’s can have healthy patches interspersed between inflamed sections, referred to as “skip lesions”.(3)
