In this article, we will highlight in the following lines the main differences between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In the following paragraphs, we will also delve deeper into the discussion of which is more serious, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease? and we will explain the treatments. If you suffer or think you suffer from any of these pathologies, this information will be of great use to you and will help you to be more certain. The reduction of discomfort and symptoms is one of the main objectives of the treatments. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis treatmentswhich will also be explained in more detail later in this article.
What are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease?
The ulcerative colitis is described as a chronic autoimmune disease that concentrates on the large intestine and inflammation of the large intestine, specifically the colon. Typically, the immune system's own aggression against the mucosa leads to colitis and ulcers of the intestine.
The most common symptoms are diarrhoea, rectal pain, rectal bleeding, urge to defecate, weight loss and fatigue.
The Crohn's disease is also an autoimmune disease that affects the entire digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, and can therefore cause inflammation at any point in the gastrointestinal tract, causing pain.
The usual symptoms of Crohn's disease are abdominal swelling, very frequent trips to the toilet and pasty or even watery stools.
Main differences between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
The most important differences between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are as follows:
- Weight loss and fatigue are typical of ulcerative colitis, while nutritional deficiencies and anaemia occur in Crohn's disease.
- In ulcerative colitis there is an urgency to go to the toilet, whereas in Crohn's disease it is more a frequency of up to ten bowel movements a day.
- Ulcerative colitis most often occurs up to the age of 30 years, while Crohn's disease has a higher incidence up to the age of 35 years.
Which is more serious, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's?
In conclusion, Crohn's disease is arguably more severe than ulcerative colitis because it affects the entire digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus.. In contrast, ulcerative colitis is located exclusively in the colon.
The treatment of Crohn's disease aims to eliminate pain and restore the intestinal flora. Another fundamental aspect is to cure the related infections. The method then culminates in the strengthening of the immune system.
For its part, the ulcerative colitis treatment targets anti-inflammatory enzymes and is sometimes supplemented by an injection of regulatory t-lymphocytes.
We conclude this article in which we have tried to give an answer to the question of which is more serious: ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease?. However, we would first like to remind you that at Biosalud Day Hospital we are specialists in treatments for this type of autoimmune diseases of the digestive system.
