Ulcerative Colitis vs Crohn's Disease

Flashcards on Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease

Ulcerative Colitis

Widespread CHRONIC inflammation of the RECTUM and RECTOSIGMOID Colon but can extend to the ENTIRE COLON

Ulcerative Colitis Location

Begins in the rectum and proceeds in a continuous manner towards the cecum.

Ulcerative Colitis Stool Frequency

10-20 liquid, bloody stools per day

Ulcerative Colitis Complications

Hemorrhage and Nutritional deficiencies

MRE (Magnetic Resonance Enterography)

Main examination used to study the bowel in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Ulcerative Colitis Nutrition Interventions

Reduce caffeine and alcohol, avoid raw vegetables, and may need to avoid lactose.

Crohn's Disease

A chronic inflammatory disease of the small intestine (most often), the colon, or both. It can affect the GI Tract from the mouth to the anus, but most commonly affects the terminal ileum

Crohn's Disease Location

Most often in the terminal ileum, with patchy involvement through the layers of the bowel

Crohn's Disease Stool Frequency

5-6 soft, loose stools per day, non-bloody

Crohn's Disease Complications

Fistulas (common), nutritional deficiencies

X-ray for Crohn's Diagnosis

Can show narrowing, ulcerations, strictures, and fistulas

Nutritional Therapy for Crohn's with Fistulas

At least 3000 calories a day to promote healing. May require TPN

Surgical Therapy for Crohn's

Colon resection, Strictureplasty

Cutaneous Fistulas

Openings in the skin or perirectal abscesses

Toxic Megacolon

A very widened colon seen in Ulcerative Colitis, can lead to perforation

Labs for Ulcerative Colitis

Decreased H&H, increased WBC (inflammation), decreased Na, K, Cl (frequent diarrhea)

Colectomy

The removal of the colon. Can be curative for Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn's Disease Labs

Decreased H&H, increased ESR, CRP, WBC. Decreased albumin, K, Mg, Ca, Vit D, and B12 (malabsorption)

Strictureplasty

Opening of narrowed areas affected by Crohn's Disease

Fistula

Abnormal opening between two areas that should not be connected

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease Medications

Aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) are the medications such as sulfasalazine, mesalamine, olsalazine, balsalazide

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease Medications

Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease Medications

Immunomodulators: Suppress immune response

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease Medications

Biologic Therapies: Target specific proteins involved in the inflammatory process

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease Medications

Antidiarrheals: Reduce diarrhea

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease Medications

Antibiotics: Prevent or treat infections