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Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are both types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that share similar symptoms but differ in their affected areas, disease progression, and treatment approaches.

People can get confused when it comes to differentiating between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis (UC).

The short explanation is that IBD is the umbrella term for the two other conditions. So, Crohn’s disease and UC are two types of IBD. But there’s much more to the story.

Both Crohn’s and UC are marked by an abnormal response by the body’s immune system, and they may share some symptoms. However, there are important differences as well, especially regarding the location of the conditions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the way each responds to treatment.

This article takes a closer look at the key differences between Crohn’s and UC, including symptoms, complications, and treatment approaches.

IBD is found mainly in developed countries such as the United States. Like other autoimmune and allergic disorders, it’s believed that a loss of certain gut bacteria has partially contributed to diseases such as IBD.

Genetic factors may also play a strong role in the development of IBD.

In people with IBD, the immune system mistakenly attacks the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in chronic inflammation.

Crohn’s and UC are both forms of IBD.

For many forms of IBD, there’s no cure. Treatment is centered around the management of symptoms with remission as a goal. For most, it’s a lifelong disease, with alternating periods of remission and flare-up.

Modern treatments, however, allow people to live relatively normal and active lives.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) vs. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBD shouldn’t be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While some symptoms may be similar at times, the source and course of the conditions differ quite significantly.

You can read more about the differences between these two conditions here.

Crohn’s disease may affect any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus, although it’s most often found at the end of the small intestine (small bowel) and the beginning of the colon (large bowel).

Symptoms

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can include:

  • frequent diarrhea
  • occasional constipation
  • abdominal pain
  • fever
  • blood in the stool
  • fatigue
  • skin conditions
  • joint pain
  • malnutrition
  • weight loss
  • fistulas

Crohn’s isn’t limited to the GI tract. It may also affect the skin, eyes, joints, and liver. Since symptoms usually get worse after a meal, people with Crohn’s will often experience weight loss due to food avoidance.

Complications

Crohn’s disease can cause blockages of the intestine from scarring and swelling. Ulcers (sores) in the intestinal tract may develop into tracts of their own, known as fistulas.

Crohn’s disease can also increase the risk of colon cancer if one-third of the colon or more is affected by Crohn’s. If less than one-third is affected, or it does not affect the colon at all (only the small intestine), then there’s no increased risk of colon cancer.

Treatment

Medication is the most common way to treat Crohn’s disease. The four types of drugs are:

Some cases may also require surgery, although surgery won’t cure Crohn’s disease.

Unlike Crohn’s, UC is confined to the colon (large bowel) and only affects the mucosa and submucosa (top layers) in an even distribution.

Symptoms

Symptoms of UC include:

  • abdominal pain
  • loose stools
  • bloody stool
  • urgency of bowel movement
  • fatigue
  • loss of appetite
  • weight loss
  • malnutrition

The symptoms of UC can also vary by type. According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, there are three kinds of UC based on location:

  • Left-sided colitis: This type affects the rectum and sigmoid, and sometimes the descending colon.
  • Ulcerative proctitis: The mildest form of UC, it affects the rectum only.
  • Extensive colitis: This type of UC affects the entire colon.

Complications

When complications do occur, they can be severe. Left untreated, UC may lead to:

  • perforation (holes in the colon)
  • colon cancer
  • liver disease
  • osteoporosis
  • anemia

Treatment

Surgery is much more common in Crohn’s than UC, with 50% to 80% of Crohn’s patients having surgery versus 10% to 30% of UC patients.

The colon is very important, though, so surgery is still considered a last resort. It’s typically only considered when remission is difficult to achieve and other treatments have been unsuccessful.

IBD can significantly decrease quality of life due to uncomfortable symptoms and frequent bathroom visits. IBD can even lead to scar tissue and increase the risk of colon cancer.

If you experience any unusual symptoms, it’s important to call your doctor. You may be referred to a gastroenterologist for IBD testing, such as a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or a CT scan. Your doctor may also order blood and fecal testing.

Diagnosing the specific form of IBD will lead to more effective therapies.

Commitment to daily treatment and lifestyle changes can help minimize symptoms, achieve remission, and avoid complications.

Support groups can help you connect with other people who are also living with this condition. Visit the following sites to learn more:

Healthline’s resource center, IBD Healthline and free app, can also connect you with people who understand. You can meet others living with Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis through one-on-one messaging and live group discussions. Plus, you’ll have expert-approved information on managing IBD at your fingertips.

Download the free app here for iPhone or Android.