Understanding Crohn’s Colitis
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of Crohn’s colitis include:
- Diarrhea
- Cramping and abdominal pain
- Weight loss
An abscess, or pocket of pus in the colon, can also occur, causing:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Painful bowel movements
- Pus leaking through the anus
- Fever
A fistula is an abnormal passage between two tube-like organs or between a tube-like organ and the outside of the body. With Crohn’s colitis, a fistula can form between the bowel and the bladder, vagina, skin, or another part of the bowel.
Causes
Crohn’s disease is considered autoimmune, meaning it is part of a group of disorders in which the immune system mistakenly identifies a healthy cell, tissue, or substance in your body as dangerous. It then creates specialized cells called antibodies to attack and destroy it.
Researchers don’t yet understand why autoimmune diseases develop. Experts believe a combination of genetics and environmental factors lead to Crohn’s colitis and other forms of Crohn’s disease.
Comparison with Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn’s colitis and ulcerative colitis are two main types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While both can cause colitis, they are distinct conditions with different symptoms and complications.
Understanding Colitis
"Colitis" is a general term that means inflammation in the large intestine—the tubular organ that connects your small intestine to your anus.
Crohn’s disease is just one possible cause of colitis. Some causes have nothing to do with IBD.
Treatment and Complications
Treatment for Crohn’s colitis includes diet, medications, and when necessary, surgery to treat complications.
Complications may include intestinal blockage, abscesses, and sores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Crohn’s colitis?
A: Crohn’s colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the large intestine.
Q: What are the symptoms of Crohn’s colitis?
A: Symptoms of Crohn’s colitis include diarrhea, cramping and abdominal pain, weight loss, and abscesses or fistulas.
Q: What causes Crohn’s colitis?
A: The exact cause of Crohn’s colitis is unknown, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Q: How is Crohn’s colitis treated?
A: Treatment for Crohn’s colitis includes diet, medications, and when necessary, surgery to treat complications.
