Over the last one to two weeks he has noted six to eight such stools per day. He also complains of mild, crampy abdominal pain and tenesmus. His past medical history is unremarkable with 10 previous surgical procedures. Physical exam reveals temperature of 99.8 F. Mucous membranes are extremely dry. The abdomen is soft but mildly tender, especially in the left lower quadrant.
Rectal exam reveals no masses but bright red blood and mucus present.
Laboratory findings include a normal hemoglobin and hematocrit, normal electrolytes, and a serum albumin of 3.8. A plain film of the abdomen reveals no free air and is unremarkable. Compare and contrast the endoscopic findings of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Compare and contrast ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease with regard to gross bleeding, perianal lesions, toxic dilatation, and systemic manifestations. The above patient is treated aggressively with medical management for ten days.