Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis impact every component of the lives of those diagnosed with these digestive diseases. There are about 1.4 million people living with these illnesses around the United States, and many of us are unaware of just how physically and emotionally challenging they can be. Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis fall under the universal term of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and both require management/treatment over the course of a patient’s lifetime.
In light of Chron’s and Colitis Awareness Month observed on the east coast we want to take the time to help patients understand the relation and differences between the two and help determine the treatment you need to live comfortably. We also want to remind patients that consulting with a Los Angeles gastroenterologist, you can stay on track with the latest treatment techniques and guidance programs from the experienced professionals patients choose most often.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is confined to the colon (large intestine) and affects the top layers in an even distribution. Symptoms this condition include cramps and abdominal pain, loose, bloody stools and urgent bowels. Other effects of the disease include fatigue, loss of appetite, and anemia due to blood loss. About half of patients with ulcerative colitis experience mild symptoms, with some or no stress at all, but remission periods can last from weeks to years depending on the severity of the case. The good news is that most patients with ulcerative colitis will almost never require surgery.
Crohn’s Disease
There is no universal diagnostic test that diagnoses whether a patient has Crohn’s disease, especially since there are a number of possible symptoms that can occur. Generally, Crohn’s disease affects any part of the GI tract from the patient’s mouth to the rectum, but more often than not, the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the colon is where symptoms occur. The symptoms of Crohn’s disease include persistent diarrhea, abdominal cramps/pain, fever, rectal bleeding and fatigue. Since symptoms usually intensify after a meal, patients with Crohn’s may often experience weight loss as patients try to avoid food.
Epigenetic Changes
Not only are adults struggling with these diseases, but our children are also suffering from them. The constant stress and pain for both child and parent is excruciating. Recently, scientists discovered evidence of alterations in DNA of the genome in children with Chron’s disease. The report, published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, the official journal of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, finds that the ability to identify these biogenetic changes in children with Chron’s may make it simpler to determine what type of therapeutic techniques are needed to slow down the progression of this disease.
Get Evaluated from a Gastroenterologist in Los Angeles
This month-long observation hopes to spread awareness of not only New Yorkers, but all Americans living with these inflammatory bowel diseases. The incidence of pediatric bowel diseases of Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis is increasing, but so are the advancements of modern therapeutic treatment. If you or a loved one is living with one of these bothersome digestive diseases, then now is the time to call on a gastroenterologist Los Angeles patients trust. Contact our gastroenterology specialist’s office at (310) 652-4472.
