Ulcerative Colitis vs Crohn's Disease Quiz

Ulcerative Colitis: Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammatory condition of the large intestine that damages the gut wall. The exact cause is not well known. It usually begins in the rectum and can extend through the colon, leading to symptoms like bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and urgency.

Crohn's Disease: Crohn's Disease is an inflammatory condition of the gut. It can affect anywhere from the mouth to the anus (end of the bowel).The exact cause is not well known. The disease often occurs in patches and can penetrate deeper layers of the bowel wall, causing complications like strictures and fistulas.

Ulcerative Colitis Specific Symptoms

• Continuous inflammation starting at the rectum and moving upward
• Bloody diarrhea with urgency
• Pain primarily in the lower left abdomen
• Tenesmus (feeling of incomplete bowel movement)
• Symptoms worsen over time in a pattern

Crohn's Disease Specific Symptoms

• Patchy inflammation anywhere in the GI tract
• Diarrhea, sometimes without blood
• Abdominal pain often in the lower right side
• Mouth sores or perianal complications (fissures, fistulas)
• Can cause strictures and malabsorption

Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Approaches

Treatment includes medications to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Lifestyle changes like a modified diet and stress reduction may be helpful. In severe cases, hospitalization for intravenous hydration, and surgery to remove part of the large intestine may be needed.

Crohn's Disease Treatment Approaches

Treatment includes medications to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Antibiotics may be used if there is a pocket of pus (abscess) or fistula present. If medical treatments do not work or if a complication happens, then surgery can be done. Surgery does not cure Crohn's disease.