Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are sometimes confused for each other since their names sound alike and their symptoms are similar. Both can cause bloating, stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhea.
But that’s where the similarities end. IBD and IBS have different causes and treatments. Knowing the difference can spare you from receiving IBD treatment in areas like Utah when you’re experiencing IBS.
Functional vs. Structural: Who’s Who?
IBS (a disorder of the large intestine, otherwise known as the colon) is a functional disease. Patients with this type of condition will have a group of symptoms, but most tests will not show physical explanations behind those problems.
IBD (a group of inflammatory conditions that affect your small and large bowels), on the other hand, is a structural disease. It means the disease has underlying physical damage that triggers your symptoms. Doctors see chronic ulcers or inflammations when they examine the gut with an endoscopy, X-ray, biopsy, or surgery.
Shared Symptoms between IBD and IBS
Since IBS and IBD are both chronic conditions that affect your gut, they have overlapping symptoms: diarrhea and abdominal pain. Both conditions can also cause vomiting, nausea, and an urgent need for a bowel movement.
Other symptoms, however, are unique to IBD due to the inflammation in the gut. These include:
Symptoms unique to IBS, on the other hand, include the following:
Finally, inflammatory bowel diseases increase your risk for colorectal cancer. It isn’t a concern for patients with irritable bowel syndrome, but you should still seek screening tests, just in case.
Treatments Unique to IBD and IBS
Anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids and aminosalicylates, antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and metronidazole), and immune system suppressors (e.g., cyclosporine, azathioprine, and methotrexate) are the usual treatments for IBD. Some patients may require surgery to treat IBD. It includes the removal of the small bowel’s damaged segments or the entire rectum and colon.
IBS treatment, on the other hand, mainly focuses on a change of diet. Several drugs, however, like lubiprostone (Amitiza), alosetron (Lotronex), and rifaximin (Xifaxan) can treat IBS.
Other medications used to treat the symptoms of both conditions include antiemetics, Tylenol, antidepressants, and laxatives.
Diet for IBS and IBD
IBD diets are designed to reduce bowel problems aggravated by food. Recommendations include:
IBS diets are simpler. All you have to do is:
While IBS and IBD are different, they both require immediate medical attention. If you have symptoms of either condition, seek treatment with your gastroenterologist and doctor today. Early diagnosis is the key to getting better treatment.