Chrohn’s and Colitis
Crohn's disease and Colitis are two of several inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Falling under the category of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Chrohn’s and Colitis may be more common than you think. In 2017 there were around 6.8million cases of IBD globally. Unfortunately, IBD diagnosis has increased significantly over the past 3 decades, with around 270,000 Canadians living with the disease. It is expected that by 2030, around 403,000 Canadians will have developed some form of IBD.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, though it typically presents in the small intestine. The inflammation may not be present consistently throughout the small intestine as healthy intestinal walls may be present between areas of inflammation. It appears that Crohn's Disease can affect multiple layers of tissue within the small intestine, not just the lining.
Due to the nature of this multi layer inflammation, there are a few complications that are specific to Crohn's Disease such as fissures leading to malnutrition, fistulae (abnormal channels), abscesses, skin tags, and strictures (narrowing of the intestine).
Colitis
Colitis is a different form of IBD which is typically present on the lining of the large intestine (colon). It is commonly located in the lower colon and rectum, though colitis may be present throughout the whole colon and occasionally localized to the mid section of the colon.
Colitis is different from ulcerative colitis, and is typically less severe in its presentation. Ulcerative colitis is more severe and typically lifelong. Ulcerative colitis usually begins with sores in the rectum that may progress through the colon. These sores or ulcers typically cause your bowel to discharge rapidly and frequently.
Colitis bowel movements may discharge blood, mucus and may be accompanied by abdominal pain or cramping.
A couple of quick facts about Chrohn’s and Colitis from the Chrohns and Colitis Canada website:
Females are more likely than males to be diagnosed with Crohn's disease; whereas the risk for being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis is the same across females and males
Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding and a sense of urgency or false urges are more common in ulcerative colitis than in Crohn's disease
Sores in the mouth and around the anus occur more often in Crohn's disease than ulcerative colitis
There are no existing cures for Crohn's disease, whereas a colectomy (removal of the colon or large bowel) may be considered "curative" and induce remission in ulcerative colitis.
Growth failure in children and adolescents is more common in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
Osteoporosis is more common in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
With increasing cases annually of IBD, the causes still remain unknown. It is speculated that the high rates of disease in Western countries and newly industrialized countries that exposure to environmental factors such as urbanization, modernization and Western diets may be worth evaluating to understand the origin of the disease.
Though there may not be a direct cause at time of publication, there are treatment options. If you have any signs or symptoms that have similarities to those mentioned above, seek professional medical advice.