In this guide
7 min readIntestine Care
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are types of inflammatory bowel disease. Both can cause chronic diarrhea, bleeding, pain and weight loss, but they affect the digestive tract differently.
Key Takeaways
- Key difference
- Blood or mucus in stool
- Chronic diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
Key difference
Ulcerative colitis usually affects the colon lining. Crohn's disease can affect deeper layers and may involve different parts of the digestive tract.
Common symptoms
Symptoms can overlap, so diagnosis needs tests.
- Blood or mucus in stool
- Chronic diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Fever or fatigue
- Anemia
Tests used
Colonoscopy with biopsy is important. Blood tests, stool tests, imaging and follow-up colonoscopy may be required.
Treatment and monitoring
Treatment aims to control inflammation, prevent flares and monitor complications. Medicines should not be stopped without medical advice.