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 Chen Rong

Gastroenterology

1min 47sec

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What are the symptoms of Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease, primarily affecting the terminal ileum and adjacent colon, but can involve any digestive tract segment from mouth to anus, displaying either segmental or skip distribution. Clinically, it is characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal mass, fistula formation, and intestinal obstruction. It may also present with fever and extraintestinal manifestations, including joint, skin, eye, and oral mucosa damage. This disease tends to recur throughout a person’s life, and severe cases can be prolonged and unhealing with poor prognosis. The onset age is mostly between 15-30 years, but initial attacks can occur at any age. The incidence rate is similar between genders. Abdominal pain is the most common symptom, often seen in the lower right abdomen or around the navel, presenting intermittently as cramp-like pain accompanied by bowel sounds, typically worsening after eating, and relieved by defecation or passing gas. Diarrhea is another common symptom, initially intermittent but can become persistent in later stages of the disease, with stools generally being pasty and containing mucus and pus-blood. If the lower part of the colon or anorectal area is involved, there may be mucus-bloody stools and a sensation of incomplete evacuation after bowel movements. Abdominal masses are often located in the lower right abdomen and around the navel, and fistula formation is a characteristic clinical manifestation of Crohn's disease.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

48sec

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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 Huang Gang

Gastroenterology

48sec

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Treatment of occasional fever in Crohn's disease

If Crohn's disease presents with fever, it is generally considered possible that it is caused by a bacterial infection. The first step should be to check a stool routine to see if there is a bacterial infection, and symptomatic treatment measures need to be taken. If the body temperature is not particularly high, some antibiotics can be taken to control the progression of the disease. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, an appropriate amount of antipyretics can be used to control the condition and have a fever-reducing effect. During this period, drink more warm water, avoid spicy and stimulating food, as well as raw and cold fruits, to prevent aggravating the condition.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

50sec

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Can people with Crohn's disease eat eggplants?

Crohn's disease may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain or diarrhea, and intestinal obstruction. Eggplant can be consumed, but in moderation, as it is not particularly easy to digest. Patients with Crohn's disease have reduced intestinal function, and consuming too much eggplant can increase the burden on the intestines. Generally, during active phases, high-nutrition, low-fat foods should be provided, along with adequate hydration and electrolyte balance. Treatment mainly includes medications and surgeries that provide symptomatic support. Crohn's disease tends to recur frequently and can have a prolonged course. Additionally, it is advisable to consume more vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and yams, while avoiding raw, spicy, and irritating foods.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

49sec

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Can you smoke with Crohn's disease?

Patients with Crohn's disease are advised not to smoke, as smoking can cause many harms, including disturbances in intestinal blood circulation, which can exacerbate the symptoms of Crohn's disease. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and intestinal obstruction, as well as possible fever and nutritional disorders. The diet should consist of frequent small meals, low in fat and high in calories, and may include vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and yams, while avoiding raw, spicy foods and foods that cause gas. During active phases, strict rest is recommended along with calorie supplementation and high nutritional support to actively prevent complications. Crohn's disease tends to recur frequently and can have a protracted course.