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Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease:
Why Treatment Cases Feel Different
Regarding the clear differences between the two diseases and the complexity of the treatment process
Questions from Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients
Hello. This is HanStep Korean Medicine Clinic, which has been researching and treating ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease since 2007. Recently, we have received many requests for Crohn's disease treatment cases via YouTube. The reason we currently post ulcerative colitis cases more frequently is that there are about twice as many patients in Korea, and there are differences in symptoms and diagnostic criteria for each disease.
Comparison of Disease Characteristics
- Ulcerative Colitis: Inflammation limited to the mucosal layer of the colon; relatively accurate indicators can be confirmed via calprotectin.
- Crohn's Disease: Can occur throughout the entire digestive tract from the esophagus to the anus and across all layers of the intestinal wall; requires much more complex diagnosis and testing.
Why It Is Difficult to Post Crohn's Disease Cases
Crohn's disease can involve lesions in areas that are difficult for endoscopes to reach, such as the small intestine.
Limitations of Endoscopy
For ulcerative colitis, treatment progress can be clearly determined using colonoscopy and fecal calprotectin levels. In contrast, for Crohn's disease, it is very difficult to obtain data because capsule endoscopy, CT, and MRI scans must all be utilized to identify deep inflammation, strictures, or abscesses in the intestinal wall.
Commonalities in Treatment
Complications of Crohn's disease, such as anal fistula, anal fissure, and abscesses, have a high severity, making professional management essential. However, from the perspective of traditional Korean medicine, the treatment principles for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are almost identical. Therefore, the treatment process of ulcerative colitis cases serves as a sufficiently useful indicator for Crohn's disease patients as well.
The Promise of HanStep Korean Medicine Clinic
Moving forward, we will consistently share improvement cases and treatment processes for Crohn's disease patients. Beyond the disappearance of symptoms, we will work with you through the process of normalizing inflammation levels. Please feel free to ask any questions in the YouTube comments.