What is the difference between Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on January 25, 2025
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The main difference between Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome is that Crohn's disease is an organic disease, also known as segmental enteritis, whereas irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder. The primary symptoms of Crohn's disease include mucous stools and pus-blood stools, and patients may also experience chills and fever. Complications may include the formation of fistulas, leading to peritonitis in patients. Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder, mainly characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. The treatment for patients with irritable bowel syndrome primarily involves the use of medications to regulate the intestinal flora and to modulate the intestinal nerves.

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Can Crohn's disease be seen on a CT scan?

Crohn's disease cannot be determined solely by CT scans. A CT scan can be used to assess the general situation, which should then be combined with personal clinical symptoms, routine stool tests, and ideally, colonoscopy and blood tests to make an accurate diagnosis. Crohn's disease is an idiopathic disease, currently thought to be related to genetic factors, and inevitably linked to individual immune factors and dietary habits. A definitive diagnosis can be made through colonoscopy and pathological examination. Care should be taken to avoid consuming raw, cold, hard, spicy, and irritating foods.

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Can people with Crohn's disease eat eggplants?

Crohn's disease may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain or diarrhea, and intestinal obstruction. Eggplant can be consumed, but in moderation, as it is not particularly easy to digest. Patients with Crohn's disease have reduced intestinal function, and consuming too much eggplant can increase the burden on the intestines. Generally, during active phases, high-nutrition, low-fat foods should be provided, along with adequate hydration and electrolyte balance. Treatment mainly includes medications and surgeries that provide symptomatic support. Crohn's disease tends to recur frequently and can have a prolonged course. Additionally, it is advisable to consume more vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and yams, while avoiding raw, spicy, and irritating foods.

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How serious is Crohn's disease exactly?

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause intestinal absorption disorders, malnutrition, and decreased body resistance leading to fever. The inflammation of the intestines can trigger abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bowel obstruction, and ischemic necrosis of the intestinal wall can lead to perforation and bloody stools. It can also affect other organs such as joints, liver, and skin, causing damage. Currently, the cause of Crohn's disease is not well understood, and it tends to have a long course, with frequent relapses and is difficult to cure completely. The current treatment methods combine pharmacotherapy with surgical techniques to treat complications and minimize damage to organs.

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Can people with Crohn's disease eat peanuts?

Crohn's disease is a chronic nonspecific inflammatory bowel disease of unknown cause. Its lesions can occur in any part of the digestive tract. The main symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, abdominal masses, fistula formation, and weight loss. Systemic symptoms such as fever and malnutrition can also occur, and intestinal obstruction might require surgical treatment. Currently, there are no specific treatments for this disease, and it has signs of lifelong recurrence, making the treatment very challenging. It is crucial to pay attention to nutrition in the diet, consuming high-nutrition, low-residue foods, and appropriately supplementing with folic acid, vitamins, and other nutrients. The diet should primarily consist of rice and noodles, and it is advisable to consume lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, and soy products. Peanuts can be eaten in small amounts, but it is not recommended to consume them excessively because they have a high fat content, which is not beneficial for managing Crohn's disease.

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Can people with Crohn's disease eat eggs?

Patients with Crohn's disease can eat eggs, but should focus on consuming primarily egg whites and avoid egg yolks as much as possible. The general principle for their diet should be to have smaller, more frequent meals that are high in calories and low in fat. Vegetables such as yams, carrots, and potatoes can be included, while cold, spicy, and irritating foods should be avoided. Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease of unknown cause, potentially resulting in complications like intestinal obstruction, perforation, and rectal bleeding. During active phases, it is important to rest, avoid excessive fatigue, and timely replenish needed nutrients and fluids.