How to Differentiate Crohn's Disease from Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are both classified as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Although they share some similarities, each condition has distinct characteristics that set them apart.

Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the colon, causing continuous areas of inflammation and ulcers in the inner lining. This disease typically starts in the rectum and extends continuously through part or all of the colon.

Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Unlike UC, Crohn's disease causes patchy, discontinuous inflammation known as "skip lesions."

The endoscopic appearance of these two diseases is very different. In ulcerative colitis, the mucosa appears uniformly inflamed and friable, while in Crohn's disease, there may be areas of healthy tissue between diseased segments, along with features like cobblestoning or deep ulcers.

Accurate diagnosis involves a combination of clinical history, lab tests, and especially endoscopy. Histopathological findings also play a key role in distinguishing between the two conditions.

In summary, although both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis fall under the umbrella of IBD, they differ significantly in terms of affected areas, patterns of inflammation, and diagnostic criteria. Proper identification is essential for determining the most effective long-term treatment strategy.