Gastroenterology

No, they are related but not the same: both are inflammatory bowel diseases, but ulcerative colitis causes continuous inflammation limited to the colon and rectum’s inner lining, while Crohn’s can affect any part of the digestive tract in patchy areas and through deeper layers, leading to different complications and the fact that surgery can cure UC but not Crohn’s. There are several factors to consider. See below to understand more about overlapping symptoms, how diagnosis is made, key treatment choices, and when to seek care, since these details can shape your next steps.

No. Ulcerative colitis and IBS are different conditions: ulcerative colitis causes immune driven inflammation and ulcers in the colon that can be seen on colonoscopy and raises long term complications, while IBS is a functional disorder with no visible inflammation or increased cancer risk. There are several factors to consider that could affect your next steps, like key symptoms, diagnosis, and when to seek care. See below to understand more.

Yes, inflammatory bowel disease can cause blood in the stool, especially during flares, because inflammation and ulcers make the intestinal lining bleed; it is more common in ulcerative colitis than Crohn’s and may appear bright red, mixed with mucus or stool, or be hidden and lead to anemia. There are several factors to consider, including other causes like hemorrhoids or infections and warning signs that require urgent care, so see the complete details below to understand when to seek medical attention and which next steps may be right for you.

Yes, inflammatory bowel disease can cause back pain, often from inflammatory arthritis of the spine like axial spondyloarthritis or sacroiliitis that can occur even when gut symptoms are quiet, and it can also result from muscle strain, posture changes, or medication related bone loss. There are several factors to consider. Key warning signs include morning stiffness that improves with movement and red flags like weight loss, fever, new bowel or bladder problems, numbness, or severe persistent pain; for the complete answer with evaluation steps and treatments to guide next steps, see below.

Yes. Inflammatory bowel disease can increase the risk of certain cancers, especially colorectal cancer; risks also include small bowel and anal cancers, and some immune-suppressing treatments slightly raise lymphoma and non-melanoma skin cancer risk. Most people with IBD do not develop cancer, and with regular colonoscopy starting 8 to 10 years after diagnosis and then every 1 to 3 years, good inflammation control, and not smoking, the risk can often be managed. There are several factors to consider, and key warning signs and risk modifiers are explained below to help guide your next steps.

Yes, inflammatory bowel disease can cause dizziness, most often from anemia, dehydration with electrolyte imbalances, orthostatic low blood pressure, medication side effects, or nutritional deficiencies, and it may be more noticeable during flares. These causes are often treatable once identified. There are several factors to consider and reasons to seek care if symptoms are new, persistent, severe, or occur with bleeding, fainting, chest pain, or severe dehydration; see below for key details that can guide your next steps.

Yes, inflammatory bowel disease can cause a high platelet count, typically as a reactive rise from inflammation during flares and sometimes due to iron deficiency. Counts often improve as the IBD is controlled, but elevated platelets can signal active disease and may add to blood clot risk, so discuss results and any urgent symptoms with your doctor. There are several factors to consider, so see below to understand more.

Yes, IBD can cause shortness of breath; it is most often due to anemia or systemic inflammation, and less commonly from lung involvement, medication side effects, anxiety, or rare blood clots. There are several factors to consider, including red flags that need urgent care and treatments that depend on the cause, so see the complete answer below and speak to a clinician if symptoms are new, severe, or worsening.

Yes, inflammatory bowel disease can cause swollen lymph nodes, most often reactive mesenteric nodes in the abdomen during flares or infections, and they usually improve as the inflammation is treated. There are several factors to consider. See below for key red flags that warrant medical evaluation such as persistent or enlarging nodes, hard or fixed nodes, fevers, night sweats, or weight loss, how medicines can raise infection risk, and what next steps and tests your doctor may recommend.

Yes, inflammatory bowel disease can cause weight gain, often indirectly due to corticosteroid treatment, weight rebound during remission, reduced physical activity, dietary shifts toward easier-to-digest but calorie-dense foods, and short-term fluid retention. There are several factors to consider. See below for signs that warrant medical attention and practical next steps, including medication review to limit steroids, dietitian-guided nutrition, gradual activity, and how IBS differs from IBD to help guide your care.

Ulcerative colitis does not biologically turn into Crohn’s disease; however, in about 5 to 10 percent of people the diagnosis may be reclassified as new features appear. Many treatments overlap, and a label change reflects better information rather than worsening disease. There are several factors to consider; see below for signs that should prompt a doctor visit, what can trigger reclassification, and how it may affect next steps in your care.

Digestive symptoms that worsen around your period are common and usually driven by hormone shifts, prostaglandins, and mild inflammation, causing bloating, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or reflux. There are several factors to consider, including flares of IBS or endometriosis and red flags that warrant medical care, so see the complete guidance below for specific relief tips, what to track, and when to talk to a doctor.

Ulcerative colitis flare ups are driven by an overactive immune response in the colon and are commonly triggered by missed or stopped medications, gut infections, stress, certain foods or alcohol, NSAIDs or antibiotics, hormonal shifts, changes in smoking, and poor sleep or exhaustion. Triggers differ by person, so tracking your patterns and staying on prescribed therapy can reduce risk and help catch worsening symptoms early. There are several factors to consider, including when to seek urgent care for severe bleeding, pain, fever, or rapid weight loss; see below for a complete list of causes, red flags, and prevention steps that can shape your next healthcare decisions.

Blood in stool in women can stem from common issues like hemorrhoids or anal fissures, infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or medications, but it can also signal colon polyps or colorectal cancer or diverticular bleeding; color gives clues, and black tar-like stools need urgent care. There are several factors to consider, including how often it happens, how much blood there is, other symptoms like pain, fever, diarrhea, or dizziness, and your age or family history; speak to a doctor if bleeding recurs or is heavy. See below to understand more.

Ulcerative colitis pain is usually cramping or squeezing with a dull, pressure-like ache in the lower abdomen or rectum, coming in waves and often worsening just before a bowel movement, sometimes with burning rectal discomfort and a constant urge to go. It can range from mild, occasional cramps to intense, persistent pain that limits daily activities, and relief after a bowel movement may be brief during flares. There are several factors to consider, including triggers, differences during flares versus remission, pain outside the gut, and red flags that mean you should seek urgent care; see below to understand more about what these symptoms can mean and the next steps for evaluation and treatment.

It most often begins in young adulthood, typically between ages 15 and 30, with a smaller second peak between 50 and 70, though it can start at any age. Symptoms usually start gradually over weeks to months, but some people have a sudden onset with diarrhea, urgency, and blood or mucus in the stool. There are several factors to consider, including early signs, triggers, and when to seek care; see below for the complete answer and guidance on next steps.

There are several factors to consider. Be more concerned if bleeding is repeated or increasing, dark maroon or black, has no clear cause, or comes with weakness, dizziness, weight loss, ongoing belly pain, changes in bowel habits, fever, or signs of anemia, especially if you are over 45 or have a family history. Seek urgent care for large amounts of blood, black tarry stools, fainting, or severe abdominal pain. See the complete guidance below for what stool color means, which symptoms matter most, who is higher risk, and which next steps to take.

Ulcerative colitis occurs in the large intestine, always starting in the rectum and spreading continuously upward along the colon’s inner lining without skipping areas. It does not involve the small intestine, stomach, esophagus, or mouth, and the exact extent can influence symptoms, testing, and treatment options. There are several factors to consider, see below for important details that may affect your next steps in care.

Most often on the lower left side of the abdomen, because ulcerative colitis usually starts in the rectum and sigmoid colon; pain may also occur deep in the pelvis or near the anus when only the rectum is involved, along the left side with left-sided colitis, or across the whole abdomen in extensive disease. There are several factors to consider, including cramping that improves after bowel movements, occasional rectal or lower back pain, and warning signs that need urgent care; see below for complete details that could affect your next steps in care.

Gastroenterologists are the primary specialists who diagnose and manage IBD long term, with pediatric gastroenterologists for children; primary care doctors help coordinate care, and colorectal surgeons step in when complications or refractory disease require surgery. Care teams often also include registered dietitians, mental health professionals, and IBD‑trained nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants; there are several factors to consider about who to see first and when to add specialists, so see the complete details below to guide your next steps.