crohn s disease and ulcerative colitis

Approximately 1.4 million adults and children have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

• Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis belong
  to a group of conditions known as inflammatory
  bowel diseases (IBD). These diseases
  should not be confused with irritable bowel
  syndrome (IBS), an unrelated condition that
  is medically less serious.
• Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
  are chronic, or long-term, conditions. The
  diseases are unpredictable and cyclical.
  Most children who have ulcerative colitis
  or Crohn’s disease go on to lead full and
  productive lives.
• Crohn’s disease is a condition in which the
  walls of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract become
  irritated, inflamed, and swollen. This
  inflammation can occur anywhere in the
  GI tract, including the mouth, esophagus,
  stomach, small intestine, large intestine
  (colon), and rectum. See figure 1.
   
• Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation in the
  large intestine, or colon, only. Tiny open sores
  or ulcers form on the surface of the lining,
  where they bleed and produce pus and mucus.
• Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis may
  occur in children of any age, but the usual
  onset is between 15 and 25 years of age.
• More recently, there has been a rise in the number
  of elementary school age children diagnosed
  with IBD. You should know that:
• The illnesses are not contagious.
• Both conditions cause similar symptoms
  including:
  
  1. diarrhea (sometimes bloody)fatigue
  2. loss of appetite and weight loss
  3. crampy abdominal pain
  4. intense cramps that can come on without
  5. warning, creating sudden urges to use the
  6. bathroom. The urgency may be so great
  7. that it can result in fecal incontinence
  8. (accidental leakage of stool) if there is a
  9. delay in reaching the toilet.
• Some adolescents with IBD may have delays
  in physical growth and puberty, causing
  them to look younger and smaller than their
  peers. Many children with these conditions
  also have joint pain and skin rashes.
• Some young people with Crohn’s disease or
  ulcerative colitis have more chronic pain than
  others. Chronic pain has been linked to numerous
  school-related difficulties, including
  frequent absences, decreased ability to
  concentrate and perform academically, and
  impaired ability to cope with the demands
  of the classroom setting.
• Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are
  lifelong illnesses. Medications can alleviate
  inflammation and discomfort, but are not
  cures for the diseases. In addition, many of
  the medications used cause unpleasant side
  effects such as weight gain and mood swings.
• Surgery may be an option if symptoms and
  inflammation cannot be controlled by medication
  alone.

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