What is the difference between Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis?
Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are quite distinct diseases but in practice there are sometimes difficulties distinguishing between them. This is especially true in mild cases – these are usually simply classified as “Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease”. Both Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis have one significant feature in common. They are both marked by an abnormal response by the body’s immune system. The immune system is composed of various cells and proteins. Under normal circumstances, these protect the body from infection. In those with Crohns Disease, the immune system reacts inappropriately. The immune system mistakes food, bacteria, and other materials in the intestine for foreign or invading substances, and thus it launches an attack. In the process, the body sends white blood cells into the lining of the intestines where they produce chronic inflammation. These cells then generate harmful products that ultimately lead to ulcerations and bowel injury which manifest
