What’s the difference?

Comparing IBS and IBD

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease can get confusing when it comes to differentiating them, despite the fact that there are major differences in the two conditions.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) occurs when the digestive system appears to be normal by standard testing (radiographic and endoscopic studies) but is not functioning properly. IBS does not permanently damage or harm the intestines, nor does it lead to serious complications like colon cancer. It can, however, cause troublesome symptoms which can significantly affect one’s quality of life.

Approximately 20 percent of Americans suffer from IBS, and while most patients who seek medical attention are women, men can also be afflicted with the disease. It is not clear why IBS occurs, but it could be due to sensitivities to food and other matter in the colon. There also may be abnormalities related to gut motility as well as altered proprioception in response to external stimuli. Although there is no cure for IBS, doctors can prescribe medication to help ease they symptoms. Changes in diet and reduction in stress may also help alleviate IBS. Common irritants include caffeinated drinks, dairy products, alcohol, wheat and large meals. Increasing water and fiber intake could also improve symptoms.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a serious condition that includes two different diseases: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both are inflammatory diseases that cause intestinal inflammation. Both men and women are equally affected by IBD and go through periods of remission and relapse.

Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation in any area of the digestive tract, from mouth to anus, but it most frequently affects the ileum. Meanwhile, ulcerative colitis only affects the colon.

Half of people with ulcerative colitis have mild symptoms, but the risk of colon cancer is higher in people who suffer from the disease. In severe cases, the colon must be removed, but most patients respond well to medications that control inflammation of the large intestine.

Check out the chart for more information on signs and symptoms, triggers and treatments of IBS and IBD. If a patient shows symptoms, it’s important to refer them to see a specialist right away to rule out other complications. A gastroenterologist will run tests to correctly diagnose and determine the best treatment plan for the patient.