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Health Conditions
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease
What is it?
IBD is a general term used to describe chronic inflammatory disorders of unknown cause that involve the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. IBD includes two major inflammatory disorders, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The differences between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are detailed in the chart below.
IBD: Differences Between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease
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Ulcerative Colitis |
Crohn's Disease |
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Where is the inflammation? |
Colon (often called colitis)
Rectum (often called proctitis) |
Any part of the GI tract, from mouth to anus (opening of the rectum) |
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Degree of inflammation |
Mainly affects the inner lining of the bowel |
Affects all layers of the bowel |
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What are the characteristic or "hallmark" signs of disease? |
Bloody diarrhea |
Diarrhea (may or may not be bloody) |
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Involvement of the rectum |
95% of cases |
50% of cases |
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Is there a cure? |
Yes, if the affected portion of the GI tract is surgically removed. |
Although there is currently no cure, effective treatments are available |
Although IBD primarily involves the GI tract, it can also affect other parts of the body. Complications associated with IBD may include arthritis, eye disease, liver disease, and skin disorders. How an individual experiences IBD varies from one person to the next. After the initial episode of the disease, most individuals continue to have occasions with some symptoms of the disease that alternate with symptom-free periods.
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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.
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What is it?
