Intestinal issues are uncomfortable for most people to talk about, but not half as uncomfortable as living with them.Inflammatory Bowel Disease is an umbrella term under which lives Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Both of these diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation in the intestinal tract. In this article we will take a look at the differences between these two disorders, symptoms, and how CBD can help alleviate the painful and sometimes debilitating symptoms of these diseases.

What is Crohn's Disease?
Named after Dr. Burrill B. Crohn , Crohn's is an autoimmune response that causes chronic inflammation and erosion in the intestines. Crohn's is most typically found in the ileum (end of the small intestine), however it can be found in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus and can affect any of the layers of tissues. Another hallmark of Crohn's is that healthy parts of the intestine can be next to inflamed tissue.

There are 5 types of Crohn's disease:

1. Ileocolitis - This is the most common type of Crohn's, affecting the end of the small intestine that connects to the colon. Symptoms include: diarrhea, pain/cramping in the mid and lower right quadrant of the abdomen.
2. Ileitis: Like Ileocolitis, this causes inflammation of the ileum. It also causes abscesses called fistulas to form in the lower right section of the colon. Symptoms include: diarrhea, pain/cramping in the mid and lower right quadrant of the abdomen.
3. Gastroduodenal Crohn's: This form of Crohn's affects the stomach and the first part of the small intestine called the duodenum. Symptoms include: nausea, lack of appetite, & weight loss
4. Jejunoileitis: This form affects the second part of the small intestine called the jejunum. Symptoms include: fistulas, abdominal pain ranging from mild to severe, cramps after meals, diarrhea.
5. Crohn's (Granulomatous) Colitis: This form of Crohn's affects the main part of the large intestine (colon). It can cause fistulas, & ulcers to develop around the anus. Symptoms include: diarrhea, abscesses & bleeding from the rectum and anus, skin lesions, & joint pain

What is Ulcerative Colitis (UC)?
Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic inflammation and sores (or ulcers) of the innermost lining of the large intestine. Unlike Crohn's, it is hallmarked by a constant state of inflammation in the affected area.

There are 5 types of UC:

1. Ulcerative Proctitis: This form of UC tends to be the mildest form. The inflammation is limited to the rectum/anus. Rectal bleeding may be the only symptom of this form of UC, but some sufferers report pain as well.
2. Proctosigmoiditis: This form involves the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) & rectum. Symptoms include: abdominal cramps & pain, bloody diarrhea, rectal bleeding, feeling the need to move bowels despite them being empty ( tenesmus )
3. Left-Sided Colitis: In this form, inflammation extends from the descending colon, through the sigmoid colon, and down to the rectum. Symptoms include: abdominal cramps & pain on the left side of the abdomen, bloody diarrhea, rectal bleeding, & unintended weight loss.
4. Pancolitis: This form involves the entire colon with inflammation spreading throughout. Symptoms include: bloody diarrhea that can be quite severe, severe abdominal cramps/pain, significant weight loss, & fatigue that can be severe.
5. Acute severe ulcerative colitis: This form is rare and affects less than 20% of people suffering from UC. It also affects the entire colon and can require hospitalization. S ymptoms include: severe pain and cramps, excessive and uncontrollable diarrhea that is often bloody, profuse rectal bleeding, inability to eat, significant weight loss, fatigue, & fever.

Crohn's and UC diagnoses and conventional treatments
Crohn's and UC carry many of the same symptoms that are equally as miserable for people suffering. Diagnostic tests are required to make a good diagnoses. Your doctor will do any combination of tests including: stool samples, blood work, x-rays, CT scans, & colonoscopy. Both Crohn's and UC require many of the same treatments as well which can include: pain relievers, anti-diarrhea drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids, antibiotics, & imunosuppressive drugs. The excessive bleeding may cause the sufferer to become anemic as well so many times a doctor will also recommend or prescribe an iron supplement to help your body make more red blood cells & replace the depletion.

How does CBD help with Crohn's and UC symptoms?
Your gut is absolutely full ofcannabinoid receptorsthat interact directly with CBD and other cannabinoids. Although there have not been enough studies done on CBD & IBD, we do know that it is a powerful anti-inflammatory and helps many many people with cramps and pain. Many of the people I speak to are very thankful for CBD suppositories for help with their IBD symptoms, putting the CBD right where they need it.
For more information on CBD and IBD, please take a look at this study by clicking here ----->Therapeutic Use Of Cannabis In Inflammatory Bowel Disease.