Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are examples of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which means that they both cause inflammation and harm to the digestive system.
While Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, including the mouth and the anus, UC only affects the colon (large intestine) and rectum.
Another difference is that Crohn’s disease can cause patches of inflammation that can affect the entire thickness of the intestinal wall. However, UC causes a continuous inflammation that is only present in the colon and rectum’s innermost layer.
The symptoms of each disease are different too. UC patients may experience symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and a strong desire to urinate. People with Crohn’s disease, on the other hand, may experience a broader range of symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.
Both diseases can be treated with medication, dietary changes, and, in some cases, surgery. For proper diagnosis and treatment, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional.
What can I do to prevent IBD?
Although Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) cannot be completely avoided, there are several steps you can take to lower your risk of developing the condition or to reduce the severity of your symptoms if you have already been diagnosed. Here are some simple tips:
- Quit smoking: If you smoke, giving it up can greatly reduce your risk of either developing IBD or going through a flare-up.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet that is balanced, nutritious, and abundant in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help maintain a healthy digestive system and lower the risk of developing IBD.
- Regular physical activity can help lower inflammation in the body, which can help lower the risk of developing IBD.
- Managing stress is important because it can cause IBD flare-ups in sufferers. Finding stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, or counseling is crucial to avoiding this.
- Vaccinate yourself: A few vaccines, including pneumococcal and flu shots, can help prevent infections that could lead to flare-ups of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Reduce your intake of NSAIDs: NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can make IBD symptoms worse. If you have IBD, try to avoid taking these medications, or ask your doctor about other pain-relieving options.
- Take medication as directed: If you have been given an IBD diagnosis, take your medication exactly as directed. By doing so, you can lessen inflammation and stop flare-ups.
It’s also important to see your doctor on a regular basis and get screened for IBD if you have a higher risk, such as a family history of the disease.
