Ulcerative Colitis vs Crohn's Disease

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Inflammatory bowel diseases take two main forms: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Both conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. They share some similarities:\nMen and women are equally affected by both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.\nThe symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are remarkably similar.\nThe causes of both diseases remain unknown, but contributing factors such as environmental, genetic, and an inappropriate immune system response are present in both conditions. However, some key differences exist:\nCrohn's disease can occur anywhere between the mouth and anus, while ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon.\nIn Crohn's disease, inflamed areas alternate with healthy parts of the intestine. Ulcerative colitis, by contrast, involves continuous inflammation of the colon.\nThe inner lining of the colon is the only part affected by ulcerative colitis, whereas Crohn's disease can affect all layers of the bowel walls.