Ulcerative Colitis – Crohn’s Disease Forum – Support group …

The first key difference is in the location. Crohns disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from Mouth to Anus, but Ulcerative Colitis only affects the colon. However, to complicate matters, Crohns disease may be restricted to the colon (Crohns colitis). In which case, it may be difficult to distinguish between Crohns and UC.

The second key difference is in the type of Inflammation. UC affects a continuous patch of intestine, whereas Crohns disease can skip areas, leaving patches of healthy tissue in between. The ulcers in UC are also restricted to the upper layer of tissue, whereas the inflammation of Crohns disease can spread deeper.

In some cases, it is impossible to distinguish between the forms of IBD, and a diagnosis of Indeterminate IBD may be given.

In Ulcerative Colitis patients, the mucus layer which helps protect the intestinal epithelium from digestive tract microbes, is much thinner than in persons that do not have Ulcerative Colitis.[1]

The thinner mucus layer seen in Ulcerative Colitis patients, allows microbes access to intestinal Mucosa, triggering inflammation.[1]

Fewer mature Goblet Cells, which secrete digestive tract mucus, are found in Ulcerative Colitis patients.[1]

If you think you may be suffering from an IBD, it may be helpful to keep a diary (see diary inclusions) as this will help your doctor build up a picture of your symptoms, and ensure they take your concerns seriously. It can also help the doctor to decide whether to order diagnostic tests to try to confirm or rule out an IBD diagnosis.

Here are some Questions you might like to ask your doctor.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) taken by Women as a treatment for Menopause has recently been reported to be a Risk Factor for Ulcerative Colitis [2]

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Ulcerative Colitis - Crohn's Disease Forum - Support group ...