Can You Have UC and Crohn's?

Symptoms of UC (ulcerative colitis) and Crohn's disease that are similar include: 

• Persistent diarrhea (may be bloody)
• Rectal bleeding
• Urgent need to have a bowel movement
• Abdominal cramps and pain 
• Feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation
• Constipation (may lead to bowel obstruction)
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Additional symptoms of ulcerative colitis may include:

• Dehydration 
• Rectal pain 

Crohn’s disease can also cause symptoms in the body outside the GI tract, including: 

• Eye problems
  • Redness 
  • Pain in the eyes
  • Vision changes
• Joint pain and swelling
• Mouth sores
• Skin complications
  • Bumps
  • Rash
  • Sores
• Menstrual cycle changes
• Kidney stones
• Osteoporosis
• Liver problems such as primary sclerosing cholangitis and cirrhosis (rare)

For both conditions, relapses, when inflammation and symptoms worsen (flares) can occur, followed by periods of remission that can last months to years when symptoms subside.

The causes of both UC (ulcerative colitis) and Crohn's disease is not fully understood. Several factors may contribute to the development of the disease, including:

• Genetic factors
  • Both UC and Crohn's disease tend to run in families
  • Having a first-degree relative (sibling, child, and/or parent) who has the IBD is a risk factor for developing IBD

Crohn’s disease is more common in developed countries, urban cities and towns, and northern climates.

UC (ulcerative colitis) and Crohn's disease are diagnosed with a patient history and physical examination, along with tests that may include: 

• Stool testing
  • To rule out infection and parasites
  • Calprotectin
• Blood tests 
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Iron studies
  • C-reactive protein 
  • Sedimentation rate 
  • Kidney function
  • Liver function tests
• X-rays of the upper and lower GI tract
• Barium enema X-ray 
• Endoscopy
  • Colonoscopy
    • Chromoendoscopy: may be performed during a colonoscopy to check for polyps or precancerous changes.
  • Upper endoscopy
  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Video capsule endoscopy 
• Small intestine imaging
  • Fluoroscopic X-ray
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan 
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
  • CT/MRI enterography
• Tissue biopsy

Treatment for UC (ulcerative colitis) and Crohn's disease depends on the severity of the condition and how often a patient’s symptoms flare-up (worsen). Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms, inducing remission (which is a period without symptoms), and maintaining remission.

Medications used to treat UC and Crohn's disease include:

• 5-aminosalicylic acids (5-ASAs)
• Systemic corticosteroids
• Topical corticosteroids
• Immunomodulators
• Biologic/Biosimilar Therapies
• Janus kinase inhibitors (JAK Inhibitors) for ulcerative colitis
• Antibiotics for Crohn’s disease

Diet changes used to manage UC and Crohn's disease include:

• Maintain good nutrition 
• Consume soft, bland foods during flares
• Avoid spicy or high-fiber foods during flares
• Restricting dairy intake if you are lactose-intolerant

Surgery for ulcerative colitis is a last-resort used for severe cases. Surgery usually involves removing the entire colon and the rectum, which is the only permanent cure for ulcerative colitis. 

Surgery used to treat Crohn’s disease includes:

• Strictureplasty
• Proctocolectomy
• Colectomy
• Fistula removal
• Bowel resection
• Abscess drainage