Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Ulcerative Colitis And Crohn's Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease at CCDHC

At CCDHC, we care for many children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our experienced physicians provide comprehensive and cutting-edge treatment for our patients. In addition, our entire office staff participates in activities to help the care of patients with IBD, including volunteering at Camp Oasis (a camp for IBD children and teens) as well as at fundraising charities. Furthermore, our physicians have been recognized with awards for their treatment of our IBD patients. To deliver the best care, we participate in research projects testing new treatments and new diagnostic methods for IBD. Additionally, along with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, we have established a multidisciplinary clinic for IBD.

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Typically, IBD is divided into two categories, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Although there may be overlapping features, the two types of IBD have important differences. Ulcerative colitis (UC) often causes bloody diarrhea. UC affects either a portion of the colon or the entire colon. In some individuals, UC causes problems outside of the gastrointestinal tract including arthritis (joint swelling), skin diseases, and liver problems.

Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract but most frequently results in inflammation of the ileum (the final part of the small intestine) along with portions of the colon. Additionally, individuals with Crohn's disease often have direct involvement of the anus. Crohn's disease tends to "skip" over some areas of the intestine whereas inflamed areas due to UC are contiguous (no skip areas). Because Crohn's disease involves the small intestine, it is much more likely to cause poor growth. Other frequent symptoms and signs with Crohn's disease include abdominal pain, delayed puberty, anemia, and mouth sores. Many children with Crohn's disease are diagnosed after having symptoms for a long time as Crohn's disease can cause gradual changes in a person's health. In addition, there is no single simple test to diagnose the disease.

How is Inflammatory Bowel Disease diagnosed?

Many diseases can be confused with both types of IBD. Diagnosis often requires upper endoscopy and colonoscopy along with bloodwork and stool tests. There is a great deal of information about these disorders. Some sources of information are available at the websites listed below.

If you are worried that your child has IBD, please make sure that you bring all of your child's growth records and previous evaluation to your first visit at CCDHC. Together we can determine if IBD is present and the optimal treatment of your child.

Additional information can be obtained from these websites:

Informative websites:
http://www.kidsibd.org
http://www.gastro.org
http://www.naspghan.org (Crohn's disease)
http://www.naspghan.org (ulcerative colitis)
http://www.naspghan.org (Inflammatory Bowel, Disease and Nutrition)

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America website:
http://www.ccfa.org

Interactive websites for patients with Crohn's disease and UC:
http://www.crohnsandme.com
http://www.ucandcrohns.org

How to download an IBD personal notebook:
http://www.naspghan.org