How Does Crohn’s Colitis Differ From Ulcerative Colitis?
Our intestines have a number of layers of tissue that can be affected by inflammation. Ulcerative colitis usually only involves inflammation of the innermost lining of the colon, while Crohn’s colitis typically involves its entire thickness, from the inner lining to the outer wall, says Dr. Kamionkowski. “It can even involve inflammation in some of the structures just outside the intestines.”
These two conditions also differ in how inflammation appears on the colon wall. “Inflammation from Crohn’s can skip areas of the intestine or appear patchy,” says Kamionkowski. “UC only involves inflammation in the colon, and that inflammation is continuous and will not skip areas.”
People with Crohn’s colitis may also develop tunnels from the intestines to the anal area (fistulas) and painful collections of pus (abscesses) around the anus, which don’t occur as often with UC, says Kamionkowski. “Despite these differences, sometimes it can be challenging to differentiate between Crohn’s and UC, as the symptoms often overlap.”
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