Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease share many symptoms, although they also differ in important ways. Both are chronic diseases and symptoms usually appear in young adults. In many patients, symptoms flare up (relapse) after symptom-free periods (remission); other patients have continuous symptoms, although medical treatments can bring about remissions even in many of these patients. Symptoms can be mild or very severe and disabling. They can develop gradually or have a sudden onset. The severity of symptoms and relapse rates also vary with seasons, with highest risk in the winter and autumn and lowest in summer.
<1>The most common symptom of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease is diarrhea. Blood may appear in the stools, especially with ulcerative colitis. The blood may be readily visible or visible only using a microscope, in which case it is called occult blood.
<2>Constipation may develop during active flare-ups of both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Constipation from Crohn's disease usually occurs from an obstruction in the small intestine. In ulcerative colitis, constipation may occur when the inflamed rectum triggers a reflex response in the colon that causes it to retain the stool.
<3>Abdominal Pain and cramps can occur from intestinal contractions caused by inflammation. The severity of the pain usually depends on the severity of diarrhea. Intestinal pain may also be an indication of a serious condition, such as an abscess, or a perforation of the intestinal wall.
<4>Fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite are often present, and the patient may lose weight. Tenesmus (a painful urge for a bowel movement even if the rectum is empty) can occur in response to inflammation. Neurologic or psychiatric symptoms may be early signs of Crohn's disease when accompanied by gastrointestinal problems.
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