Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic diseases of the intestinal tract. Their cause is unknown but the diseases do tend to run in families. Although both diseases are initially treated with medications and managed by a gastroenterologist, a significant number of patients will need surgery at some point.
While Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis have many similarities, there are some distinct differences. Below is a comparison chart for Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis listing possible symptoms and complications associated with each disease.
| Crohn's Disease | Ulcerative Colitis | |
| Organs that can be involved | ||
| Esophagus and stomach | Yes | No |
| Small intestine | Yes | No |
| Large intestine (colon) | Yes | Yes |
| Rectum | Yes | Yes |
| Anus | Yes | No |
| Common Symptoms | ||
| Abdominal pain | Yes | Yes |
| Diarrhea | Yes | Yes |
| Bleeding | Yes | Yes |
| Complications Requiring Surgery that can occur | ||
| Stricture and obstruction | Yes | No |
| Abscess | Yes | No |
| Fistula | Yes | No |
| Perforation | Yes | Yes |
| Bleeding | Yes | Yes |
| Medications not helping | Yes | Yes |
| Curable | No | Yes |
