Understanding inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is important, especially since there are several types of confusing terms associated with the disorder. But this medical nomenclature is important because it tells you what part of your intestine is inflamed. Below are characteristic differences between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two major types of IBD:
|
Crohn's Disease |
Ulcerative Colitis |
|---|---|
|
affects any area of gastrointestinal tract |
affects all or part of only the colon |
|
inflammation sporadically throughout intestine |
inflammation continuously throughout affected area of intestine |
|
sores (fistulae) common |
sores rare |
|
intestinal wall thick |
intestinal wall thin |
|
20 percent have active bleeding |
98 percent have active bleeding |
|
abdominal pain common |
abdominal pain uncommon |
(Source: Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America)
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