Crohn's & colitis are inflammatory diseases that effect your auto immune system as well as your digestive system. Both can be very debilitating and painful. Not to mention it can be very embarrasing at times. It is not gender or age specific and can strike at any time. Even after diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle changes, a crisis may still occur. For more detailed medical, please visit the following websites: www.ccfa.org, www.drhoffman.com, www.webmd.com, www.crohnsdiseasetoday.com, www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov, www.emedicinehealth.com
What is it?
Ulcerative Colitis: Inflammation of the colon & ulceration of the colon mucosa, tiny open sores that bleed, produce puss & mucus. There are three forms of UC: proctitis distal colitis (only on the left side) and pancolitis (whole).
Crohn's: Inflammation of the digestive tract - can happen anywhere from the "top" to the "bottom" but most commonly affects the small intestine (particularly the ileum where the small & large intestine join).
What's the difference?
Crohn's can affect any area but UC affects only the colon. Crohn's affects the entire thickness of the colon wall while UC affects only the innermost lining.
What is IBD or IBS?
IBD stands for Irritable Bowel Disease and includes both Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis as well as other digestive illnesses. IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and includes spastic colon, nervous colitis, and other motility related syndromes. Also, IBS does not involve inflammation.
IBD runs in families
Affects mostly teens & young adults
Not gender specific
Ethnicity: affects mostly Jews and African Americans
Overactive Immune System
Developed countries in populated/urban areas
Signs and Symptoms
Persistent Diarrhea Cramping Fever Loss of Appetite
Fatigue Blood in Stools Abdominal Pain Vomiting
Weight Loss
Can Cause Other Issues
Fissures Fistulas Gas Blockages
Malnutrition(B-12 & Iron) Pancreatitis C-Diff Toxicity
Abscesses Sores Ulcers
Adversely Affects Other Organs
Skin Joints Eyes Liver
Treatments/Medications
Anti-inflammatories Immune Modifiers Biologic Therapies
Antibiotics Pain Management Corticosteroids
Diagnostic Aides
Labs, X-rays, Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Barium Swallow Test, and Stool Sample
