Navigating digestive health issues can be confusing, especially when symptoms can be so similar or even overlap between different conditions. People often confuse Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) which sound similar but are distinct gastrointestinal disorders that are actually quite different in their nature, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
We know how confusing and frustrating it can be to feel like you’re constantly searching for digestive health answers so we’re breaking down the key differences of IBS vs IBD below. Keep reading to better understand each of these conditions, concerning symptoms to look out for and even next steps in case you think you may have IBS or IBD.
What Are The Differences Between IBS Symptoms vs IBD Symptoms?
IBS Symptoms: IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is characterized by a range of symptoms that can vary widely among individuals. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation. These symptoms can fluctuate over time and are often influenced by factors like diet, stress and hormonal changes.
IBD Symptoms: IBD, or Inflammatory Bowel Disease, includes conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which involve chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Symptoms of IBD are typically more severe than those of IBS and include persistent diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, weight loss and fatigue. IBD can also lead to complications like strictures, fistulas and an increased risk of colon cancer.
How Is IBS vs IBD Diagnosed?
IBS Diagnosis: IBS is considered a functional disorder, meaning there are no visible signs of disease or inflammation in the digestive tract. Diagnosis is primarily based on symptoms and the exclusion of other conditions. Doctors often use criteria like the Rome IV criteria and may conduct tests such as blood tests, stool tests and colonoscopies to rule out other diseases.
IBD Diagnosis: IBD, on the other hand, involves visible inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Diagnosis typically requires a combination of endoscopic procedures (such as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy), imaging studies (CT scans, MRIs) and biopsies that show inflammation and tissue damage.
What Causes/Triggers IBS vs IBD?
IBS Causes/Triggers: The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it is thought to be linked to factors like stress, diet and abnormal gut motility. Triggers can include specific foods, stress and hormonal changes.
IBD Causes/Triggers: IBD is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation. While the exact cause is also unknown, genetics, environmental factors and immune system malfunctions are believed to play a role.
What Are The Treatments for IBS vs IBD?
IBS Treatments: Treatment for IBS focuses on managing symptoms. This may include dietary changes such as following a low FODMAP diet, stress management, probiotics and medications like antispasmodics, laxatives or anti-diarrheal agents.
IBD Treatments: Treatment for IBD aims to reduce inflammation and achieve remission. This can involve a range of medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aminosalicylates), immune system suppressors, biologics and corticosteroids. And in severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged portions of the digestive tract.
What To Do If You Think You Have IBS or IBD?
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Track Your Symptoms: Log your symptoms, what you eat and how you feel after eating. This can help identify any patterns or triggers and will be useful information for your doctor. (Did you know you can use the Injoy app to track everything from bowel movements to diet to mood changes?)
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Consult a Healthcare Provider: It's important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. They can also rule out other conditions that might mimic IBS or IBD, such as infections or celiac disease.
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Consider Lifestyle Changes: Depending on your symptoms and diagnosis, making changes to your diet, increasing physical activity and managing stress might be some of the first recommendations to try.
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Discuss Diagnostic Tests: Your doctor might suggest tests like blood tests, stool tests or a colonoscopy to help diagnose IBS or IBD and rule out other conditions. While microbiome testing is not a diagnostic test, many people with IBS and IBD have found the Injoy Microbiome Test Kit to be helpful both in their journey towards getting a diagnosis and managing their symptoms.
Conclusion
While both IBS and IBD affect the gastrointestinal tract and can have overlapping symptoms like abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, IBD is an inflammatory condition with visible gut damage, whereas IBS is a functional disorder without physical damage to the gut. Understanding these differences is crucial for managing your health and seeking appropriate treatment. If you suspect you have either condition, looking into further testing and consulting with a healthcare provider are the first steps towards finding answers and what exactly your body needs to begin feeling better.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5288603/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30567928/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4352483/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2095723/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35487235/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20890316/
