Differences Between Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
|
Difference |
Crohn's Disease |
Ulcerative Colitis |
| Location | Inflammation may occur anywhere along the digestive tract | Large intestine (colon) is typically the only affected site |
| Inflammation | Inflammation may occur in patches | Inflammation is continuous throughout affected areas |
| Pain | Pain is commonly experienced in the lower right abdomen | Pain is common in the lower left part of the abdomen |
| Appearance |
Colon wall may be thickened and may have a rocky appearance Ulcers along the digestive track are deep and may extend into all layers of the bowel wall |
Colon wall is thinner and shows continuous inflammation
Mucus lining of large intestine may have ulcers, but they do not extend beyond the inner lining |
| Bleeding | Bleeding from the rectum during bowel movements is not common | Bleeding from the rectum during bowel movements |
Symptoms of
Crohn's Disease
|
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
|