inflammatory bowel disease

? Describe the clinical presentations associated with common inflammatory bowel disease and the variety of symptoms the separate pathological conditions may cause.
Describe the common methods used for investigating inflammatory bowel disease.
Recognise some of the gross and microscopic changes induced by CD/UC.
Explain some of the diagnostic difficulties in separating CD/UC.
Describe some of the commoner endoscopic and radiological abnormalities in IBD.
Describe some of the common treatment options that are available for IBD.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is an inflammatory disorder that affects the rectum and extends proximally, IN CONTINUITY (no breaks in inflammation) to affect a variable extent of the colon.
There is a high incidence in the US, UK and northern Europe and it presents in young adults, more commonly in females.
 
The mucosa of UC patients is dominated by Th2 (T-helper) cells, which produce Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) and IL-5.

Ulcerative colitis presents with Rectal Bleeding, Diarrhoea and Abdominal Pain
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn s Disease (CD) is a condition of chronic inflammation, potentially involving any location of the GI tract from mouth to anus.  
There are two peaks in the incidence of CD, 1st at 15-30 years and 2nd at 60 years. 
The mucosa of CD patients is dominated by Th1 (T-helper) cells, which produce Interferon Gamma (IFN-) and IL-2.  
The presentation of Crohn’s disease depends on the disease’s location
Upper GI involvement
Nausea and vomiting
Dyspepsia
Small bowel obstruction
Anorexia, weight loss
Loose stools
Colonic Disease
Diarrhoea
Passage of obvious blood 
If the terminal iliumis involved, there may be anaemia due to poor absorption of Vitamin B12