Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are two distinct gastrointestinal disorders that are often confused for one another but are not the same condition. 

Why IBS and IBD are Thought to Be the Same

Many patients mistakenly believe that IBS and IBD are one and the same. Though the conditions do share some similarities, they are different diseases. 

What is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome is known as a functional gastrointestinal disorder causing a disturbance in bowel function. It causes a great deal of discomfort for patients, and its severity can range from “mildly annoying” to disabling and disruptive to everyday life. 

IBS is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder, and it affects about ten to fifteen percent of adults in the United States. Women are more commonly affected by IBS than men. Symptoms typically begin in late adolescence or early adulthood during a time of emotional stress. People with IBS often have other functional health conditions such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and TMJ. 

Some symptoms of IBS and IBD are similar, but IBS is a syndrome, defined as a group of symptoms and it does not cause permanent harm or inflammation to the intestines, unlike IBD. Inflammatory Bowel Disease does cause permanent harm to the intestines and can increase your risk for colon cancer. Irritable bowel syndrome does not show up in a colon exam while signs of IBD can be seen through diagnostic imaging. IBS also rarely requires hospitalization or surgery.

Symptoms of IBS and IBD

IBS symptoms vary from patient to patient and often occur after consuming a large meal or during a time of emotional stress. Temporary relief can be found by passing a bowel movement. Symptoms of IBS include:

• Chronic, persistent abdominal pain
• Constipation alternated by diarrhea
• Mucus in stool
• Gas 
• Abdominal bloating and/or swelling
• Nausea
• The urge to have a bowel movement without the ability to do so

You can experience some of the above IBS symptoms with inflammatory bowel disease. However, symptoms such as anemia, weight loss, fever, and bleeding occur with IBD, not IBS, and should be evaluated by a medical provider immediately. 

Although there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for IBS, if you think you have symptoms you can get help from your medical provider. The first step is to visit your provider for a checkup to discuss your symptoms and ask for a diagnostic test to rule out other possibilities. Once your provider has determined that you have IBS, they’ll develop a treatment plan that may include medication, psychological treatment for emotional stress, and changes to diet and lifestyle. 

If you are struggling with IBS symptoms, visit EliteCare today to get help from one of our trusted and experienced providers.