Differences between Crohn's Disease and Common Colitis

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 12, 2024
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The differences between Crohn's disease and common enteritis start with symptoms. Crohn's disease generally involves abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools, with symptoms recurring frequently and tending to relapse easily after medication. Common enteritis may also involve diarrhea, but it is rare for the stool to contain mucus resembling nasal discharge, and while mild abdominal pain may occur, bloody stools are uncommon. Moreover, common enteritis generally responds better to treatment, and the likelihood of relapse is lower. Under colonoscopy, Crohn's disease shows deep, longitudinal ulcers in the intestines, while common enteritis usually shows only some white mucus or mucosal hyperemia and at most mild erosion, which is much less severe compared to Crohn's disease. There are also differences in treatment. Crohn's disease requires specific medications, whereas common enteritis is generally treated with probiotics, thus the two conditions differ significantly.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
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Does Crohn's disease have no symptoms?

Crohn's disease typically presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, intestinal obstruction, complications of nutritional disorders, iridocyclitis, oral ulcers, anemia, and liver diseases. A preliminary diagnosis can be made based on these specific clinical manifestations. X-ray enterography can reveal intestinal lesions. It is important to maintain a reasonable daily routine. During active phases, bed rest should be observed, and a diet high in energy and calories but low in fat should be provided. Treatment involves a combination of medication and surgery. Crohn's disease tends to recur and has a protracted course. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Can a CT scan detect Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease generally cannot be diagnosed through a CT scan. Diagnosis of Crohn's disease relies on colonoscopy. If you experience abdominal pain and diarrhea, especially if there is mucous or bloody stool, it is recommended to undergo a colonoscopy to determine whether it is Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Once the disease is confirmed, it is crucial to diagnose and treat it early. The treatment of this disease can be challenging and is highly prone to recurrence. The medical community still finds this disease a difficult problem to address. In addition to Western medicine, it is also advisable to seek treatment from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Diagnosis and treatment strategies based on TCM principles can be formulated, and combining TCM with Western medicine may achieve better results than using Western medicine alone.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
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What should be noted daily for Crohn's disease?

People with Crohn's disease should avoid strenuous exercise in daily life and instead engage in moderate physical activities within their capabilities. They should not overeat but eat small, frequent meals of easily digestible food. Avoid spicy and irritating foods such as strong tea, spirits, coffee, chili peppers, mustard, etc., and try to eliminate them from the diet. Additionally, avoid staying up late and eating overly coarse foods. It is beneficial to consume more fresh vegetables and fruits that are rich in vitamins, such as apples, bananas, and watermelons.

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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Will routine blood tests be normal for Crohn's disease?

If you have Crohn's disease, conducting a routine blood test can be helpful for an auxiliary diagnosis. If the routine blood test for someone with Crohn's disease shows an increase in white blood cells, it may be indicative of a bacterial infection. Crohn's disease can lead to persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, and inadequate absorption of nutrients. It may also result in anemia, low red blood cell count, and low hemoglobin levels. Diagnosis can be confirmed by considering the individual's clinical symptoms in conjunction with stool routine tests and colonoscopy examinations.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Is a small intestine ulcer the same as Crohn's disease?

Small intestinal ulcers and Crohn's disease are different. Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease of unknown cause, commonly occurring in the terminal ileum and right half of the colon. Small intestinal ulcers may be caused by intestinal inflammation and damage to the mucosa, making the ulcers easier to heal, whereas Crohn's disease tends to recur frequently and is not easily cured. Crohn's disease can also affect the joints, skin, liver, and other parts, and may be complicated by acute perforation, bloody stools, intra-abdominal abscesses, and malabsorption syndrome. It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist and pay attention to adjusting the diet structure, eating meals regularly, and maintaining nutritional balance.