What is the difference between Crohn's disease and colitis?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 12, 2024
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Crohn's disease is a chronic nonspecific inflammatory disease, whose cause is currently unclear but may be related to immune mechanisms. Its main symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and poor appetite. A colonoscopy can reveal longitudinal ulcers on the mucosa, distributed in segments. This disease has signs of lifelong recurrence, and currently, there are no specific effective medications, making treatment very challenging. The lesions can develop throughout the entire digestive tract. Chronic colitis primarily presents symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. A colonoscopy can show intestinal mucosal redness, swelling, and erosion. The condition generally responds well to treatment and is relatively milder compared to others.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Can a CT scan detect Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease generally cannot be diagnosed through a CT scan. Diagnosis of Crohn's disease relies on colonoscopy. If you experience abdominal pain and diarrhea, especially if there is mucous or bloody stool, it is recommended to undergo a colonoscopy to determine whether it is Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Once the disease is confirmed, it is crucial to diagnose and treat it early. The treatment of this disease can be challenging and is highly prone to recurrence. The medical community still finds this disease a difficult problem to address. In addition to Western medicine, it is also advisable to seek treatment from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Diagnosis and treatment strategies based on TCM principles can be formulated, and combining TCM with Western medicine may achieve better results than using Western medicine alone.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Is a small intestine ulcer the same as Crohn's disease?

Small intestinal ulcers and Crohn's disease are different. Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease of unknown cause, commonly occurring in the terminal ileum and right half of the colon. Small intestinal ulcers may be caused by intestinal inflammation and damage to the mucosa, making the ulcers easier to heal, whereas Crohn's disease tends to recur frequently and is not easily cured. Crohn's disease can also affect the joints, skin, liver, and other parts, and may be complicated by acute perforation, bloody stools, intra-abdominal abscesses, and malabsorption syndrome. It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist and pay attention to adjusting the diet structure, eating meals regularly, and maintaining nutritional balance.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Can people with Crohn's disease eat fish?

Patients with Crohn's disease can eat fish, as it is delicate and delicious, and contains rich protein that provides nutrition. Patients with Crohn's disease should adhere to a diet that is light, nutritious, and easy to digest, consuming more green vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, and cabbage. It is also appropriate to increase nutrition, since Crohn's disease is a consumptive disease, and insufficient nutritional supplementation can lead to further weight loss. However, it is essential to avoid overly greasy and spicy foods and to pay attention to dietary hygiene.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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What is the difference between Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome?

The main difference between Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome is that Crohn's disease is an organic disease, also known as segmental enteritis, whereas irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder. The primary symptoms of Crohn's disease include mucous stools and pus-blood stools, and patients may also experience chills and fever. Complications may include the formation of fistulas, leading to peritonitis in patients. Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder, mainly characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. The treatment for patients with irritable bowel syndrome primarily involves the use of medications to regulate the intestinal flora and to modulate the intestinal nerves.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What should I do if Crohn's disease often causes low-grade fever?

Crohn's disease commonly presents with symptoms like fever. Besides fever, other symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and abdominal masses. Sometimes, stools may contain pus and blood. The treatment of this disease is quite challenging and tends to recur easily after treatment. Western medicine does not have particularly effective treatments for this disease, so it is recommended to use Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and herbal treatments. According to TCM's syndrome differentiation and treatment, oral herbal medicines are used. Additionally, external TCM treatments are applied, such as selecting specific acupuncture points for moxibustion, as well as herbal enemas or herbal hydrotherapy, which can have a certain therapeutic effect on the disease.