IBS vs IBD: Key Differences Explained

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are two of the increasingly popular gastrointestinal disorders with rising cases in the country in recent times. While there are a lot of similarities in their symptoms, they are not the same. They require different treatment and management. It is essential to educate yourself about both IBS and IBD so that you cannot confuse their symptoms and seek a suitable treatment option.

What is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, has been classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder. It is characterized by some kind of disturbance in smooth bowel function and may lead to great discomfort that may affect your quality of life on many levels. The symptoms of this condition may appear over time and may flare up in certain cases.

As per doctors, people with this condition are more likely to have other functional disorders, including chronic fatigue symptoms, fibromyalgia, chronic pelvic disorder, temporomandibular joint disorder, and more.

What are the Symptoms of IBS?

An individual with IBS may experience various symptoms such as discomfort in the stomach, gas and bloating, alterations in bowel habits, and mucus in the stool. These symptoms can fluctuate with time and may include triggers such as certain foods, stress, and changes in hormones.

What is IBD?

Inflammatory bowel disease, also known as IBD, is a broader spectrum of diseases. It is an autoimmune disease that leads to inflammation in the intestine and indicates ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. IBD has a more severe nature than IBS. For many patients, the condition may be genetic. But individuals without any genetic history may also develop IBD owing to lifestyle factors.

The severity of this condition depends on the combination of genetic abnormalities and the number of microbes present in your immune system.

What are the Symptoms of IBD?

The most common symptom of IBD is diarrhea. Other signs and symptoms that may suggest you may have IBD are persistent cramps and discomfort in the stomach, blood in the stool, reduced appetite leading to reduced weight, fatigue, mood swings, etc.

What is the Difference between IBS and IBD?

Here are some key factors that make IBS different from IBD and vice versa.

  • Inflammation
    Inflammation is the primary factor that sets the two conditions apart from each other. IBS is a non-inflammatory condition. On the other hand, IBD is characterized by chronic inflammation that may lead to damage to your digestive tract. The former affects bowel habits while the latter leads to abdominal discomfort and a range of gastrointestinal complications.

  • Causes
    As of now, the doctors and experts have been unable to find the exact cause of IBS. As per a few studies, it has some ties with the gut-brain axis, heightened sensitivity to the intestines, hormonal changes, diet, and lifestyle conditions. IBS is an individualized condition, and the cause may vary from one person to another. On the other hand, IBD is an autoimmune disorder where the immune cells start attacking the digestive tract mistakenly, resulting in excessive pain and discomfort. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of IBD.

  • Diagnosis
    IBS is usually diagnosed based on the symptoms you experience. The doctor will understand your health history and perform a physical examination to confirm the diagnosis. IBD requires a more invasive technique and specific tests.

  • Structural Abnormalities
    IBS does not lead to any intestinal damage, nor does it increase the risk of colorectal cancer. With proper management techniques, people with IBS may lead a normal life. But it is not the case with IBD. It is a chronic condition with a higher risk of complications such as fistulas, bowel strictures, and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The treatment of IBD may be lifelong.

  • Treatment
    Both conditions have different treatment strategies. Doctors focus on symptom management to treat IBS and suggest dietary and lifestyle changes, whereas people with IBD are prescribed medication to control inflammation. In some cases of IBD, the doctor may recommend surgery.

Can a Person Have IBS and IBD?

Yes. An individual can have both IBS and IBD. Experts say that having IBD automatically increases your chance of developing IBS at some point. Although there are differences between the two, they are not mutually exclusive. Around 30-50% of people with IBD, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, may have irritable bowel syndrome at the same time.

While one study says that IBS and IBD may occur at the same time, there is no strong evidence to confirm that an individual may develop these conditions together.

Takeaway

Both IBS and IBD are considered the same. However, some differences set them apart. If you experience symptoms such as persistent diarrhea, excruciating pain in the stomach or abdomen, and changes in the color of your stools, visit a gastroenterologist for the diagnosis of your condition and find a suitable treatment.

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