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Signs and Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

The two forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) -- Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) -- have several signs and symptoms in common, but they are very different conditions. One of the main differences between CD and UC is the location of the disease. CD can affect the digestive tract anywhere between the mouth and the anus, while UC only affects the large intestine (or colon). A second important difference is that CD inflammation involves all layers of the intestinal wall and UC affects only the inner lining.

Another key difference between CD and UC is the presence of comorbid (or associated) conditions. Strictures, fistulas, and fissures tend to be more common in CD, while toxic megacolon is more common in UC. Distinguishing between the two forms of IBD can be difficult at times, but knowing the difference between the two is extremely important for treatment.

Crohn's Disease Signs and Symptoms:

Intestinal
Abdominal pain and cramping
Bloating/distension
Blood in the stool
Granulomas
Loss of appetite
Mucus in the stool
Persistent diarrhea
Ulceration in the digestive tract

Non-Intestinal Symptoms
Delayed growth and sexual maturation in children
Eye irritations
Fever
Fissures
Weight loss
Worsening of symptoms during menses

Associated Conditions
Anemia
Anxiety
Arthritis
Depression
Fissures
Fistulas
Liver complications
Osteoporosis
Skin irritations
Strictures

Ulcerative Colitis Signs and Symptoms:

Intestinal
Abdominal pain and cramping
Bloating/distension
Blood in the stool
Loss of appetite
Mucus in the stool
Persistent diarrhea
Ulceration in the digestive tract
Urgency to move the bowels (tenesmus)

Non-Intestinal Symptoms
Delayed growth and sexual maturation in children
Eye irritations
Fever
Weight loss
Worsening of symptoms during menses

Associated Conditions
Anemia
Anxiety
Arthritis
Colon cancer
Depression
Liver complications
Osteoporosis
Skin irritations

Still not sure what could be causing your nausea? Visit the Symptom Checker to find out.

Sources:

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. “What Are the Symptoms?” CCFA.org 2006. 13 Apr 2008.

Sachar DB, Walfish AE. “Crohn's Disease (Regional Enteritis; Granulomatous Ileitis or Ileocolitis).” The Merck Manual January 2007. 13 Apr 2008.

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. “About Ulcerative Colitis & Proctitis” CCFA.org 2008. 13 Apr 2008.

Sachar DB, Walfish AE. “Ulcerative Colitis.” The Merck Manual January 2007. 13 Apr 2008.

Updated: May 2, 2008
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