In the realm of bowel diseases, few are as uncomfortable as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Though the two may present with similar symptoms, there are a fair amount of differences between these conditions; knowing such differences will help ensure that you are on the right course of treatment.
Today we’re answering some of the most commonly asked questions about the difference between IBS and IBD. If you believe you may be suffering from either one of these issues, don’t wait. Reach out to our colorectal specialists at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay.
What Is the Difference Between IBS and IBD?
With such similar acronyms, many find the difference between IBS and IBD confusing to say the least. One of the most fundamental differences, however, is simply the fact that IBD is actually a collection of various types of illnesses (notably Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis), while IBS is simply one.
As suggested by the name, IBD is also marked by extensive inflammation of the bowel system, which is believed to be an autoimmune response. If untreated, IBD can turn out to be quite life-threatening. IBS, meanwhile, is simply a chronic condition that makes bowel movements difficult, with no sign of inflammation or autoimmune reaction.
What Is IBS?
Short for irritable bowel syndrome, IBS is a chronic, non-life-threatening condition that likely affects the bowel’s natural rhythm of contraction that moves waste through the colon. (Aka, it makes, ya know, doing the deed of the porcelain throne much more difficult at times.)
While we still don’t know exactly what causes IBS, it can help to have a diagnosis. We do know that stress, anxiety, caffeine, low fiber intake, low water intake, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle are all known to increase a person’s IBS symptoms.
What Are IBS Symptoms?
Unexplainable, recurring diarrhea
Unexplainable, recurring constipation
Persistent gas and bloating
Gastrointestinal pain and cramps
Distended Stomach
Bowel problems that worsen during stressful times in your life
What Are My IBS Treatment Options?
Since we don’t know the precise cause of IBS, it’s difficult to talk with patients who are looking for an all encompassing cure. Unfortunately, IBS is a chronic condition that you may deal with for the rest of your life.
However, some of our patients are able to enter a sort of remission by paying close attention to and avoiding their triggers; we also recommend that our IBS patients follow the FODMAP diet. Some anti-inflammatory medications are beneficial, but there’s no official drug approved for the treatment of IBS.
What Is IBD?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a collection of two chronic issues: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). Both of these diseases have auto-immune and inflammatory components which cause the symptoms that patients experience.
The difference between Crohn’s and UC is merely the location of the symptoms within the colon. Crohn’s disease is a condition that can affect any part of the digestive system from the mouth to the anal opening. For UC patients, on the other hand, auto-immune damage is limited to the colon (large intestine) and rectum.
What Are The Different IBD Symptoms?
While specific symptoms vary a bit depending which IBD you personally have, there are some common identifying symptoms of IBDs, including:
Persistent diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Rectal bleeding/bloody stools
Weight loss
Fatigue
Are There IBD Treatment Options?
IBD usually presents with elevated c-reactive protein levels, low iron and red blood cell count, so your doctor may use blood tests in conjunction with colonoscopy, endoscopy, and imaging procedures to get you a proper diagnosis.
Since IBD is mainly an auto-immune condition, steroids and immunosuppressant drugs are usually effective in managing a patient’s symptoms. It is important to not take your chances without medication if you suffer from IBD. The negative immune response within your gastrointestinal tract is sufficient to cause serious damage and warrant surgery. If you get your IBD under control with medication, you also reduce your risk for developing colon cancer later in life.
Get Help With IBS & IBD
It is important to see a colorectal specialist so that you can get to the bottom of your gastrointestinal distress. Contact our team at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay to schedule a consultation today.