Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease: Major differences
While it may sound like a gravely complicated bodily condition, simply put, Ulcerative Colitis is a form of GI disease that affects colon (a crucial portion of our intestine). Ulcerative colitis can result in sores and ulcers, along with constant diarrhoea. Loose stools might often contain noticeable amount of mucus and blood. Acute inflammation and painful ulcerations can cause constant abdominal discomforts and frequent emptying of the colon. An auto-immune condition where the immune system of the body fails to work healthily, and instead attacks healthy cells and tissues, Ulcerative colitis occurs when the immune system of our body mistakes harmless ingredients and bacteria for fatal threats and attacks. This sudden change results in the inflammation of tissues in GI tract and colon. Ulcerative colitis is a form of IBD, which is often confused with IBS. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are mostly common. However ulcerative colitis attacks only the large intestine, whereas Crohn’s disease can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract. Colectomy is one of the widely used surgical methods to cure ulcerative colitis. But, surgical remedies for Crohn’s disease focus on the removal of the entire damaged areas of the intestine, along with reconnecting with the heathier parts. While surgical remedy to curb ulcerative colitis can be effective in most cases, the same does not apply widely for patients with Crohn’s disease. Surgical option cannot be called as a comprehensive remedy to cure Crohn’s disease entirely. This is because chance of recurrence is comparatively higher. Recurrences can be observed mostly on spots where intestinal anastomosis (or connection) is done. Ulcerative colitis and its noticeable symptoms are triggered sporadically, with worsening symptoms at certain phases and relatively symptom-free conditions during certain others. Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are aggravated medical conditions of GI tract, and require utmost quick and effective medical assistance.
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