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Crohn's and UC are both autoimmune diseases of the digestive system, but UC only affects the colon (large intestine) and only inflames/ulcerates the first layer of tissue in the colon. Crohn's can affect any part of the digestive system from mouth to rectum and inflames/ulcerates more layers. Crohn's can also include fistulas, which are little tunnels created from the intestines to other organs or to the skin. Crohn's is more likely to create blockages (in part because the small intestine is much more narrow to begin with). The type of inflammation is different also and they can get a definitive diagnosis with a biopsy taken during a colonoscopy.
Crohn's is more serious and has no cure. With UC, although drastic, if the colon is removed, it is gone.
20% of people with Crohn's have family members with UC or Crohn's and 20% of those with UC have family members with UC or Crohn's, so there is a cross correlation.
There is also a condition called Crohn's colitis, which is Crohn's type inflammation occurring in the colon.
Hope that helps,
Dee
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